Following his high-profile loss to Ricky Saints at NXT No Mercy, many wrestling fans and insiders have been speculating about the future of Oba Femi in WWE. Known as “The Ruler” during his dominant reign as NXT Champion, Femi held the gold for over 260 days and quickly became a key figure within WWE’s developmental brand. Yet, according to the latest backstage reports, a call-up to WWE’s main roster is not currently on the horizon for him.
Oba Femi’s Recent Loss and Fan Expectations
Oba Femi’s reign as NXT Champion was notable for both its longevity and its impact, with him capturing the title by defeating Trick Williams at New Year’s Evil 2025. Throughout his championship run, Femi showcased impressive in-ring skills and charisma, winning over many fans. Naturally, his title loss to Ricky Saints at No Mercy sparked immediate speculation that WWE would elevate him to either Raw or SmackDown, as is common for standout NXT champions.
However, despite these expectations, the backstage reality appears quite different. According to Dave Meltzer’s report in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Femi is not currently slated for a call-up to the main roster. He remains a key part of NXT’s plans moving forward, and there is no confirmed plan for him to jump to Raw or SmackDown in the immediate future[1][2][3].
Why Is Oba Femi Staying in NXT?
While many would assume that dropping the NXT title signals a promotion, those close to WWE’s creative process indicate that this is not always the case. Meltzer noted that WWE often keeps call-up plans tightly under wraps, with only a select few insiders informed. This secrecy sometimes blindsides industry watchers, making any “no” on a call-up subject to change at a moment’s notice.
Still, as things stand, the consensus in WWE is that Oba Femi’s journey continues on NXT, where he can still be developed further and remain a top star. This strategy may serve to build up new storylines and fresh challengers in the brand’s competitive environment. It also suggests WWE values Femi’s ability to elevate the NXT product and sees him as a bridge between the current crop of stars and future main roster talent[2][4][5].
A WWE insider shared on background:
“Oba’s work in NXT has been exceptional, and the company believes he can continue to grow there. The idea is to keep him engaged in strong storylines before making a major move to the main roster, which WWE wants to be impactful and well-timed.”
Oba Femi’s Rise Through WWE’s NIL Program
Oba Femi’s path to becoming NXT Champion is also worth revisiting. He signed with WWE via the Next In Line (NIL) program in December 2021, a developmental initiative designed to bring college athletes into professional wrestling. Femi’s initial NXT debut came in late 2022 on NXT Level Up, with his full roster introduction in April 2023.
Soon afterward, he won the Men’s Breakout Tournament and became the first NIL talent to capture a title by winning the NXT North American Championship from Dragon Lee. This historic achievement was followed by an impressive 273-day reign before moving on to claim the NXT Championship a few months later. His rapid ascent highlights WWE’s confidence in his athleticism and marketability[1].
What’s Next for Oba Femi? Storyline & Brand Predictions
At present, Femi is not booked for the upcoming NXT vs. TNA Showdown, further cementing the notion that his role in the brand will pivot after No Mercy. With his championship reign ended, “The Ruler” could either be repositioned in fresh storylines within NXT or potentially take on a mentoring role for emerging younger stars.
Industry observers speculate that WWE may continue to build multiple layers in NXT’s hierarchy, using talents like Femi to create intense rivalries or faction-based plots. This approach could also keep him in the spotlight while allowing new competitors to rise.
Yet, the door to the main roster remains a possibility, as WWE has historically been unpredictable with call-ups. WWE may still opt for a surprise move when the storylines and timing align better, as Meltzer emphasized:[2]
“There is no such thing as a 100 percent no when it comes to call-ups in WWE. They sometimes keep these moves secret until the perfect moment to surprise fans and even those within the company.”
Contrast With Other NXT Stars
In comparison, other NXT talents like Tony D’Angelo have faced periods of absence or time off without injury, contrasting with Femi’s current active status. Unlike D’Angelo, who requested personal time and has been out of current storylines, Femi appears poised to remain a consistent figure within NXT programming for the foreseeable future[2].
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In Summary: Although many fans anticipated Oba Femi’s immediate elevation to WWE’s main roster after his loss at NXT No Mercy, current backstage information indicates otherwise. He remains an integral part of WWE’s NXT brand with continuing creative plans. WWE’s history of secrecy means a surprise call-up remains possible, but for now, “The Ruler” will continue to reign within NXT’s evolving landscape.