Oba Femi made a significant impact during the main event of WWE Saturday Night coinciding with John Cena’s retirement, impressing fans with his match against Cody Rhodes, which many hailed as a glimpse of WWE’s future. The NXT Champion faced off against the Undisputed WWE Champion at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., but the bout concluded in a disqualification.
In the match, Oba delivered a powerful uppercut to Rhodes, causing his ear to bleed, marking one of several standout moments in his major WWE debut. However, the fight was abruptly ended when Drew McIntyre interfered and attacked Rhodes, resulting in a disqualification that disappointed the thousands in attendance.
McIntyre’s involvement hints at a larger storyline, as Oba later defeated the Scottish Warrior after a confrontation between McIntyre and Rhodes. This led to Mike Rose delivering a Cody Cutter before the NXT Champion executed a chokeslam. McIntyre and Rose have been engaged in a rivalry for months, and their clash tonight suggested that if Oba joins the main roster permanently, he could also become part of a brewing feud.
WWE’s choice to end the match early seems aimed at protecting Oba’s growing reputation while avoiding a loss for the world champion on a major stage. This outcome sets the stage for Oba to begin his main roster journey by facing a seasoned WWE veteran who could challenge him in exciting ways.
Drew McIntyre has expressed interest in mentoring Oba Femi, referring to him as a "stud" with remarkable potential. McIntyre views coaching Oba as an opportunity to guide the young Nigerian powerhouse, having identified him and Bron Breaker as key talents he would like to develop within his Evolution Styles group. With Sheamus aging, McIntyre envisions a leadership role similar to Ric Flair’s for the veteran wrestler.
Initially expected to join the main roster after losing the NXT Championship to Ricky Saints at NXT No Mercy in September, Oba instead returned to NXT and recaptured the title at NXT Deadline. This lead-up culminated in tonight’s match with Rose, where Oba’s performance earned widespread praise and respect from Rhodes, with the two sharing a moment post-match.
Fan Take: This spotlight on Oba Femi marks an exciting evolution in WWE’s talent pipeline, signaling fresh rivalries and storylines that could rejuvenate the brand. For fans, it promises thrilling matchups that mix rising stars with seasoned veterans, potentially reshaping WWE’s future landscape.
