Oba Femi, the towering NXT Champion, has candidly discussed the toughest part about shifting from his background as a collegiate track and field athlete to becoming a professional wrestler in WWE’s Performance Center (PC): learning to slow down. The former University of Alabama shot put star highlighted how adapting his explosive athleticism to wrestling’s endurance demands required a major shift in both mindset and conditioning.
From Track Star to Wrestling Powerhouse: An Unconventional Transition
Before stepping into the squared circle, Oba Femi—real name Isaac Odugbesan—earned acclaim as a dominant shot putter at Alabama, winning multiple SEC indoor and outdoor championships. Known for his raw power and explosiveness on the field, Femi was accustomed to short bursts of intense effort rather than extended physical contests.
However, WWE’s Performance Center required him to recalibrate everything about his athletic performance. “For shot put, I needed to be big, heavy, strong, explosive, just for one movement for a short period of time,” Femi explained in a recent interview. “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.” This need to slow down and pace himself challenged Femi more than any other aspect of his transition[3].
A backstage source close to WWE insiders added, “Oba’s natural athleticism was never in question. The biggest learning curve was adapting his conditioning—shifting from quick explosive training to the endurance wrestling requires. He has made incredible strides since joining the PC.”
Dominating NXT: How Slowing Down Helped Shape The Ruler
Since debuting in late 2022, Oba Femi rapidly rose through NXT’s ranks. Winning the 2023 Men’s NXT Breakout Tournament and capturing the NXT North American Championship soon after, he quickly showed his versatility and growing ring IQ. His championship reign lasted a record-breaking 273 days, the longest for the North American title, underscoring his ability to sustain high-level performance week after week[1].
Femi credits the lesson of controlled pacing for his success. “In track, I’d explode once and be done. In NXT, I learned to manage my energy, work a match strategically,” he said. “Slowing down allowed me to use my power more effectively over long matches and protect myself from burning out too early.”
This evolution also helped Femi defend his title successfully against top competitors such as Dragon Lee, Wes Lee, and Tony D’Angelo in high-stakes matches. His matches displayed a blend of raw power with increasingly refined pacing and endurance[1][2].
The Physical and Mental Challenge of WWE’s Grueling Schedule
Beyond conditioning, compared to his collegiate sports career, WWE’s schedule demands wrestlers perform consistently for months, sometimes years, maintaining peak physical shape and mental focus. Femi has acknowledged this grind as part of the “different sport” of wrestling.
“Wrestling tests you mentally and physically in every way. The travel, the promos, staying healthy, it’s all on you,” Femi stated during a recent media scrum. He also spoke about the challenge of in-ring storytelling, a skill completely new to him coming from track and field, where performance is obvious and immediate.
Sources close to WWE’s Performance Center praised Femi’s commitment: “Few recruits show such dedication to mastering both the physical and theatrical sides as quickly as Oba. He’s a genuine student of wrestling now,” an official noted.
A Rising Star With a Unique Path to WWE Stardom
At 6’6″ and 310 pounds, Oba Femi boasts the size and strength iconic to WWE powerhouses, but his path is uniquely athletic and cerebral compared to many peers who come from traditional wrestling backgrounds. Signing with WWE through their Next In Line (NIL) program spotlighted his rare blend of elite athletics and potential for pro wrestling stardom[1][2].
His record shows 45 wins to 16 losses in a relatively short career, demonstrating rapid development. Holding both the NXT Championship and previously the North American title, alongside winning the Iron Survivor Challenge, Femi has quickly established himself as a legitimate future WWE main-eventer[2][5].
What’s Next for The Ruler?
As Oba Femi continues to build on his early success, fans and insiders alike are eager to see how he leverages the lessons of “slowing down” and pacing himself at WWE’s highest levels. His ability to merge explosive athleticism with endurance and ring psychology places him in prime position for future world title contention.
In the words of a former WWE talent scout familiar with Femi’s rise, “He has all the ingredients — size, athleticism, work ethic, plus a mindset open enough to learn and grow. Oba is not just a powerhouse; he’s becoming a complete performer.”
WWE fans should expect The Ruler to keep evolving, pushing the boundaries of what a converted track star can achieve in WWE. With years likely ahead, his blend of raw strength and technical maturity could reshape what it means to be a dominant force in professional wrestling.
This profile of Oba Femi underscores one clear lesson from his journey: success in WWE is not just about power but mastering how and when to unleash it—a lesson forged through the challenge of slowing down.