Last night’s WWE SmackDown was action-packed, featuring Carmelo Hayes capturing the United States Championship, the confirmation of the next title bout between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre, and the announcement that Trick Williams is now a free agent. A teaser aired that caught fans’ eyes, hinting at WWE’s upcoming plans for one of NXT’s rising stars.
A promotional video for NXT Champion Oba Femi was shown during SmackDown, suggesting a possible move to the main roster. Oba displayed his dominance in a match against Cody Rhodes during Saturday Night’s main event and followed it with a chokeslam on Drew McIntyre, which resulted in a disqualification. Commentator Corey Graves praised Oba, calling him a “ruler and bringer of war,” and predicted he would be a game changer in WWE.
It seems Oba’s time in NXT is nearing its end, with reports indicating he is among five wrestlers expected to be called up soon. WWE faces the challenge of taking the NXT Championship from the 27-year-old. Oba’s next title defense is scheduled for NXT New Year’s Evil on January 6th, where he will face TNA X Division Champion Leon Slater. If Slater wins, it would mark a historic moment as the first TNA star to clinch a WWE title. While Oba might begin his main roster career while still holding the NXT Championship, it’s more likely he will drop the title first, potentially to Slater, setting up his first feud on the blue brand.
On Saturday Night’s Main Event, Oba’s match against Cody Rhodes was cut short when Drew McIntyre attacked him, provoking Oba to retaliate with a chokeslam. McIntyre declared he was seeking revenge and made his intentions clear to go after champion Rose and the WWE Championship. WWE fans are already speculating that McIntyre’s involvement is a way to bring Oba to the main roster and spark a high-profile rivalry soon, possibly leading to a title change by New Year’s Eve.
McIntyre’s quest for revenge might delay Oba’s match with Slater but keeps the focus on Rose and the WWE Championship. Rose will defend his title against American Nightmare in a Three Stages of Hell match on January 9th in Berlin. Just three days after the McIntyre attack, Oba repaid the favor by defeating him in a title match. There are also rumors that WWE wants Rose to face Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 42, which might mean the title won’t change hands anytime soon.
Fan Take: This wave of fresh storylines and superstar call-ups is exactly what WWE needs to keep fans invested and excited. Oba Femi’s rise, combined with high-stakes rivalries involving established stars, signals a promising future for WWE’s main roster dynamics and storytelling.
