Oba Femi, the reigning NXT Champion and one of WWE’s fastest rising stars, has opened up about the biggest challenge he faced when transitioning from collegiate track and field to professional wrestling: learning to slow down. Known for his dominant physicality and athleticism, Femi’s journey from explosive shot put athlete to wrestling powerhouse carries a lesson about patience and endurance that many fans don’t immediately see.
From Track and Field Star to WWE Breakout Sensation
Born Isaac Odugbesan in Lagos, Nigeria, Oba Femi excelled as a collegiate track and field athlete at the University of Alabama, where he specialized in shot put and won multiple SEC championships[3][1]. His flow of power and explosive athletic ability was undeniable, but the shift to wrestling demanded a radically different physical approach.
Oba Femi was signed by WWE in late 2021 under its Next In Line (NIL) program, designed to convert college athletes into professional wrestlers. Since making his in-ring debut in November 2022, he quickly ascended through the NXT ranks, winning the 2023 Men’s Breakout Tournament, becoming the youngest NXT North American Champion, and later the NXT Champion[1][2].
“Slowing Down” — The Unexpected Hurdle
In a candid interview, Femi explained that the biggest challenge in WWE’s Performance Center was slowing down his natural athletic pace. Whereas shot put requires sudden bursts of power and explosiveness for just a few seconds, professional wrestling demands stamina, timing, and pacing over long matches.
“For shot put, I needed to be big, heavy, strong, explosive — just for one movement for a short period of time. Now I have to lean to the cardiovascular side of things, have to have more stamina to go long distances and long matches. It’s a different sport in itself,” Femi said[3].
A WWE insider echoed this sentiment, revealing that “Oba had all the raw power and athletic DNA, but adapting to the rhythm of a wrestling match took time. He had to learn when to conserve energy, when to explode, and how to tell a story in the ring without constantly going full throttle.”
Physical Attributes Meet Wrestling Storytelling
Standing 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighing over 300 pounds, Femi combines the physical traits of a powerhouse with surprising agility for a man his size[2]. However, his in-ring success is not solely about brute strength. His ability to slow down and engage in psychological storytelling during matches has elevated him beyond other big men in the business.
This adaptability helped Femi set the record for the longest NXT North American Championship reign at 273 days, marking an impressive career milestone before losing the title in October 2024[1]. His style combines explosive strikes with controlled pacing, keeping audiences engaged while maintaining stamina throughout grueling contests.
The Importance of WWE’s Next In Line Program
Femi’s journey highlights the effectiveness of WWE’s NIL program, which idenfities and cultivates athletes from other sports into wrestling. The program focuses heavily on teaching participants the nuances that separate wrestling from other athletic disciplines — endurance, ring psychology, and performance timing.
According to sources close to WWE talent development, “Oba’s story is becoming a blueprint for future NIL recruits. His success proves that transitioning from another sport isn’t just about physicality; it’s also about mental recalibration.”
Looking Ahead: Oba Femi’s Future in WWE
Having conquered many early obstacles, Oba Femi is now positioned to become one of WWE’s top stars. With his record-setting title reigns and varied experiences—from winning the Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge to thriving in multi-competitor matches—his momentum is undeniable[2].
Industry insiders speculate that Femi’s ability to blend raw athleticism with the storytelling craft of wrestling will earn him main event status on WWE’s flagship shows. A backstage source shared, “Oba’s ceiling is incredibly high. He’s mature beyond his years in understanding the business and his own limits. That ‘slowing down’ lesson? It’s already paying dividends.”
Conclusion
Oba Femi’s transition from a powerhouse track and field athlete to a compelling professional wrestler underscores the demanding physical and mental shifts required in WWE. His revelation that learning to slow down was his toughest adjustment sheds light on the unique challenges athletes face when moving into pro wrestling.
His story is not only inspiring but also an example of the emphasis WWE places on endurance, pacing, and storytelling — key elements that separate wrestling from other sports. As Oba Femi continues to build his legacy in NXT and beyond, fans can expect this “Ruler” to combine power and precision with a savvy ring intelligence honed from overcoming his biggest challenge yet.