The Rise of Oba Femi
Oba Femi has taken the WWE universe by storm. Since his debut, his raw power, charisma, and in-ring ability have drawn immediate comparisons to some of the greatest stars in the company's history. Unlike past talents who were pushed quickly and then faltered, Femi seems to possess the complete package: a commanding presence on the microphone, a believable offense that combines strength and agility, and an aura that makes him feel like a legitimate main event player.
His ascent has been meteoric. Within months of arriving on the main roster, Femi captured the King of the Ring tournament, a traditional launching pad for future world champions. However, WWE's booking of that victory raised eyebrows when Femi declined an immediate championship opportunity, delaying his inevitable title shot. This decision hinted at a longer-term plan – one that might culminate in a WrestleMania moment.
A WrestleMania Showdown on the Horizon
According to multiple reports, WWE is planning a marquee match between Oba Femi and Roman Reigns for WrestleMania 43. The seeds were planted when Reigns acknowledged Femi on the post-WrestleMania 40 show, a subtle but significant gesture that put the younger star on the Tribal Chief's radar. Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio indicated that the potential match is considered "too big" for SummerSlam, suggesting the company is willing to invest over a year of storytelling to build to this encounter.
The idea of Femi versus Reigns represents a classic passing-of-the-torch scenario. Reigns, who has dominated WWE for the past decade, remains the top star, but his character has grown stale in some circles. Femi offers a fresh, undeniable talent who could dethrone the long-reigning champion on the grandest stage of them all. The story writes itself: the new conqueror rising to challenge the old king.
The Long Road to the Biggest Stage
Building a feud over 12 months is no easy task in modern WWE. The company has often struggled with long-term storytelling that does not revolve around the Bloodline. However, the inclusion of Brock Lesnar – who returned from a fake retirement to seek revenge on Femi – has already added complexity. While Lesnar vs. Femi has been entertaining, some fans worry it might dilute the eventual Reigns match.
Another path involves the Bloodline itself. Femi could methodically work through Reigns' family members, defeating the Usos, Solo Sikoa, and others in high-profile bouts at successive premium live events. Each victory would build momentum and set the stage for Reigns as the final boss at WrestleMania. This would not only fill the calendar but also elevate Femi by having him overcome multiple challenging opponents.
The timing also benefits from current roster dynamics. With top stars like Cody Rhodes facing TKO interference in their storylines, and CM Punk aging, WWE needs a new franchise player. Bron Breakker, once touted as the next big thing, has not yet lived up to expectations. Femi, however, has exceeded all hype, looking like a generational superstar similar to early 2000s Brock Lesnar.
Potential Obstacles and Booking Concerns
Despite the promising setup, skepticism remains. WWE has a history of botching major pushes. The most glaring recent example is the company's inability to use Gunther to retire John Cena – a storyline that should have been a surefire success but was mishandled. Fans remember such missteps and are wary of any long-term plan, especially one that requires a year of consistent booking.
Injuries also pose a constant threat. Pro wrestling is a physical sport, and any injury to Femi or Reigns could derail the entire storyline. Moreover, the creative team might feel pressure from corporate interests, like TKO, to pivot to more immediately profitable angles, such as another Reigns-Rhodes match or involving The Rock.
But if WWE can resist these temptations, the reward could be immense. Femi as world champion would open a new era of storytelling. His character works both as a heroic babyface and, eventually, as a dominant heel. The company could let him have a long title run, with fans slowly turning on him, leading to a dramatic heel turn and a new top challenger down the line.
Comparisons to Brock Lesnar and a New Era
Oba Femi is often compared to Brock Lesnar, but he brings his own unique qualities. His mic skills are far superior to Lesnar's early years, and his athleticism, given his size, is nearly unprecedented. The wrestling world has not seen a star this obvious since Lesnar emerged from the OVW system in 2002.
If Femi defeats Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 43, it would signal a definitive shift in WWE's hierarchy. The "next era" that Triple H frequently mentions would finally feel authentic. Fans would have a new top star to rally behind or boo – someone who can carry the company for years. The possibilities for future rivalries are endless, from matches with Seth Rollins to dream bouts against up-and-comers like Ilja Dragunov.
Of course, the path remains treacherous. One year is a long time in the wrestling business. Plans change, injuries happen, and networks can exert influence. But the blueprint is in place. WWE must simply trust the process and allow Femi to reach his full potential. The company has a golden opportunity to create a moment that fans will remember for decades – if they can avoid the mistakes of the past. The ball is now in WWE's court, and the clock is ticking toward WrestleMania 43.
Source:MSN News