As Oba Femi’s impressive reign as NXT Champion recently ended, wrestling legend Tommy Dreamer has shared his insights on the Nigerian powerhouse’s future with WWE, sparking discussions on when and how the star might transition to the main roster.
Oba Femi’s NXT Journey and Recent Title Loss
Since joining NXT in 2022, Oba Femi has become a dominant figure in WWE’s developmental brand. In 2025, he solidified his status with a lengthy reign as NXT Champion, crossing the 200-day mark and showcasing both his in-ring prowess and charismatic presence. His recent defeat to Ricky Saint at NXT No Mercy was a surprising end to that chapter but set the stage for what could be an even bigger move—an eventual promotion to WWE’s main roster.
Dreamer’s Vision: A 2026 Royal Rumble Debut
Tommy Dreamer envisions a “new era” for Oba Femi in 2026, particularly speculating on a standout debut at the Royal Rumble. Dreamer suggested that rather than immediately winning the match, Femi should make an explosive impact by eliminating around ten competitors, thereby establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with right away. This kind of debut would give Femi strong momentum, instantly raising his profile with the wider WWE audience without the immediate pressure of a title win.
“I’m looking at a 2026 new era for Oba Femi [at the] Royal Rumble. Let him come in, not win, but eliminate ten people. Give him instant credibility,” Dreamer explained in a recent interview[2][7].
Fit for The Vision or a Main Roster Standalone?
Dreamer also floated the idea of Oba Femi joining Paul Heyman’s faction, The Vision, which currently includes Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed. He praised Femi’s size, skill, and ability to cut promos, suggesting that he fits perfectly as a “fourth member” who could add depth and dominance to the stable. However, Dreamer cautioned that joining a group like this would require Femi to maintain or even increase his dominance to avoid being overshadowed.
He noted that while Femi excels as a face in NXT, joining The Vision could necessitate a heel turn, a shift that might be complicated given WWE’s current main roster landscape and the scarcity of strong babyface big men.
“Oba has to be dominant — he’s the ruler of the world, that’s his thing. He’s really, really good. He could talk. But then it comes down to placement. He’d be a great addition with Paul Heyman’s group, but if you’re the fourth person, you have to be just as dominant. We’ll see if he stays face or turns heel,” Dreamer commented[1].
WWE Insider Perspectives on Timing and Booking
Sources close to WWE creative indicate that Oba Femi’s main roster call-up is being carefully timed for maximum impact. While the company recognizes his ability to redefine the perception of big men in wrestling, there’s consensus that he needs a blockbuster moment to break through the crowded main event scene.
A backstage insider revealed: “Oba’s size and charisma make him a unique talent, but his transition depends on a carefully crafted storyline. The Royal Rumble presents a perfect platform to showcase his dominance without rushing things.” The insider suggested that WWE aims to build Femi gradually rather than pushing him directly into championship contention, allowing for organic fan investment[1][2].
Challenges Ahead: From NXT to the Main Stage
Transitioning from NXT to the main roster is often challenging, even for top stars. The depth of main roster talent and WWE’s evolving booking philosophy mean that a star needs a strong character identity and compelling storyline to thrive.
Dreamer highlighted that with Femi’s natural gifts—his size, in-ring skills, and promo ability—he already possesses the essential tools. The key will be how WWE positions him and whether he connects with fans on a bigger stage.
“He’s got it, but it’s about how they use him. His babyface run in NXT has been solid, but WWE’s main roster is a different beast,” Dreamer noted[1].
What Fans Can Expect
Fans eager to see Oba Femi on RAW or SmackDown can likely expect a gradual build rather than an immediate push to world title status. Dreamer’s Royal Rumble scenario portrays a strong introduction that respects Femi’s dominant image while giving him room to develop rivalries and storylines.
Given his crushing elimination potential and physical dominance, Femi could soon be a breakout star of WWE’s post-2025 era.
Tommy Dreamer’s insights provide a credible blueprint for Oba Femi’s future: a powerful Royal Rumble entrance, the possibility of faction allegiance with The Vision, and a gradual yet impactful introduction to WWE’s flagship shows. As WWE plans its roster evolution, all eyes will be on Oba Femi to see if he can live up to the high expectations set by NXT’s former champion.