'Oba Femi Retires John Cena' - Fans React To WWE NXT Championship Loss

Oba Femi has long been touted as a contender for a main roster call-up amid his dominant and eye-catching run in NXT. He debuted in WWE's developmental brand back in April 2023 and has been on a tear, becoming the longest-reigning NXT North American Champion in history.

The 27-year-old rules NXT no more, though, as he lost his NXT Championship to Ricky Saints at No Mercy, fuelling talk of a main roster call-up being on the horizon. That's certainly how fans view his defeat this weekend, as they feel there is nothing left for him to do on Tuesday nights.

One fan proposed Oba Femi answer Sami Zayn's United States Championship Open Challenge on SmackDown, saying it would be perfect:

"I ain’t gonna lie, Oba Femi answering Sami Zayn’s U.S. Title open challenge, beating him, and winning the title would be a PERFECT main roster debut. NEED IT."

While many fans were enthused by the idea others suggested the Nigerian be the final opponent of John Cena's Farewell Tour should he indeed arrive on the main roster.

One fan replied:

"Or have him be Cena’s retirement match. Cena takes (the Intercontinental) title off of (Dominik Mysterio) in Boston in front of his family/hometown & holds onto it till Oba debuts & takes it off of him at (Saturday Night's Main Event)."

Another agreed pointing out how strong he needs to be booked:

"I wouldn't mind this at all because Oba Femi needs to be treated as a unit, just like Gunther, Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, Brock Lesnar, and Jacob Fatu, because Oba is the caliber of athlete in the WWE."

One wrote:

"No Oba is gonna retire Cena."

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select even pitched a WrestleMania main event:

"Oba. Main Roster. Rumble win. Mania vs. Cody. Do it."

Oba Femi even touched on a potential match with Cena ahead of the 17-time world champion's retirement in December, but downplayed the chances of it happening. He told the No Contest Wrestling Podcast that while he "wishes" to face the legendary WWE star, he didn't think their paths would cross "in that fashion".

"Taken Some Inspiration" - Could Oba Femi Face Brock Lesnar?

Oba Femi is arguably everything WWE envisioned their other 'Nigerian Giant', Omos, would be. A super heavyweight who is reliable in the ring and a great talker with a striking look and formidable presence.

Brock Lesnar has been one of the promotion's very best 'big men' ever since debuting back in 2003, but the Beast is in the twilight of his career and will need a long-term successor. There may not be a better option than Fem,i who can talk the talk and walk the walk.

Oba Femi spoke about comparisons between himself and the former UFC heavyweight but insisted he's his own beast (via Reality of Wrestling): "I've definitely taken some inspiration from him in the way I work, but I don't think it's a one-to-one correlation between Brock Lesnar and Oba Femi. The athleticism and strength are there, but I think Oba is a beast of his own."

The sky is the limit for Femi despite losing his NXT title at No Mercy, and fans may soon be seeing him rule either RAW or SmackDown. He has plenty of interest at the very start of his career and fits the profile of a superstar that WWE relish propelling into the mainstream media.