Booker T Wants WWE NXT Star To Work With CM Punk, Randy Orton and Roman Reigns

Oba Femi lost his title to Ricky Saints, and this brought an end to his 263-day reign, during which he dominated the NXT roster. He defeated the likes of Trick Williams, Je'Von Evans, Austin Theory and Grayson Waller.

The 27-year-old's loss to the Saints led many to conclude he was main roster-bound, but a month later, he remains absent from RAW and SmackDown and hasn't appeared on NXT. Earlier this month, it was reported that there are still plans for the Nigerian powerhouse on Tuesday nights.

Booker T feels he's ready to make the step-up, and he questioned what's left for him in NXT. He said on his Hall of Fame podcast:

"I can tell you this, Oba has done a hell of a job in NXT, and if it is time for him to move on it's the right time. If we was to stay in NXT, what else is there for Oba Femi to do? He's dominated. "One thing with the main roster is they always say 'do we have anything for you?' Everything is kind of set right now, so is it a good time for Oba to debut on the main roster?"

A potential Royal Rumble debut could be the opportune time for Oba to start his main roster career. Booker added:

"Hold him in the wings and then boom when he does make that big debut it would be a big thing, but do you wanna sit Oba until January?"

Booker stressed he thinks now is the time to bring Oba on board to either RAW or SmackDown:

"I agree either way, I think Oba can make a big splash on the main roster right now. He's done everything he could possibly do in NXT. I think it's time to pull the trigger. I'm not one to book the show, which is why I'm so reluctant to even say it, but I really think Oba Femi can fit in on the main roster, especially with the right players around him to teach him how to be a main event player."

Fans will be intrigued to see how WWE's creative team use Oba once he does arrive on the main roster and whether he'll immediately be pushed. We have seen the likes of Jacob Fatu and Bron Breakker, two big men, be given significant pushes after their arrivals on the main roster.

Booker named three of WWE's top stars who have held world titles and main evented WrestleMania's he wants the 27-year-old to surround himself with:

"Guys like Randy Orton, guys like CM Punk, guys like Roman Reigns, to be around those guys right now is invaluable for someone like Oba Femi."

Oba made his NXT debut back in November 2022 and quickly grew into a top star on Tuesdays thanks to his impressive ability in the ring for a 310-pounder. He has also showcased superb mic skills, putting on a Nigerian accent effectively and his theme and entrance give off the aura of a megastar.

"I Would Want To" - Oba Femi Could Feud With Childhood Hero

Oba is often compared to some of the greatest big men in WWE history, such as Brock Lesnar and Goldberg. While he has spoken in the past about his admiration of the likes of Lesnar, he was also a fan of CM Punk.

The former NXT North American Champion explained during an interview on the Rich Eisen Show that Punk's unceremonious 2014 exit meant he refrained from mentioning him:

"Undertaker, Lesnar, Triple H were definitely my favorite hands-down – and I'm not just saying that because he's my boss... For a while we weren't allowed to talk about him [Punk] so a lot of people asked me 'who are your favorites' and I would want to say CM Punk but I couldn't, it's great that now I can – I can say his name again."

Punk has been present at NXT shows since returning to the promotion in November 2023, and many believe he could be the heir to Shawn Michaels. He is helping the younger generation with his decades of experienc,e which Oba touched on:

"CM Punk – long story short – CM Punk is, you know, is a very useful tool, he's a – honestly – he's a huge resource."

Punk could be the World Heavyweight Champion by the time Oba arrives on the main roster. The 47-year-old faces Jey Uso for the vacated title at Saturday Night's Main Event on Saturday (November 1st).