Oba Femi Set for WWE Main Roster Debut at Royal Rumble
TORONTO, January 31, 2026 – WWE’s powerhouse prospect Oba Femi is poised for a seismic shift in his career, with multiple reports confirming his transition from NXT to the main roster will begin with an entry into the men’s Royal Rumble match this weekend. The move comes on the heels of the former two-time NXT Champion voluntarily relinquishing his title, signalling the end of his dominant run on the developmental brand.
From NXT Ruler to Main Roster Contender
The Nigerian-born superstar, whose real name is Isaac Odugbesan, left the NXT Championship in the ring after a successful defence at the recent NXT New Year’s Evil event, a symbolic gesture confirming his departure. According to industry reports, his official main roster debut is scheduled for the Royal Rumble, with plans for him to become a regular presence on WWE RAW or SmackDown thereafter. His announcement during the January 27 episode of RAW solidified one of the most anticipated entries into the annual 30-man match.
Key Facts: Oba Femi
| Statistic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Isaac Odugbesan |
| Background | Former shot putter from Lagos, Nigeria |
| WDE Tenure | Signed in December 2021 via WWE’s “Next in Line” programme |
| NXT Accomplishments | 2-time NXT Champion, 1-time NXT North American Champion |
| Notable Record | Longest-reigning NXT North American Champion (272 days in 2024) |
| Current Status | Vacated NXT Championship; Main roster debut imminent at Royal Rumble |
Betting Markets and Industry Praise
The announcement has triggered significant activity in sports betting markets, with a reported 73% of all wagers for “Most Royal Rumble Eliminations” in the last 24 hours favouring Femi. This betting frenzy underscores the perceived immediate impact he is expected to have. Furthermore, established WWE stars have publicly endorsed his potential. Aleister Black recently stated that Femi “oozes special” and has “all the skills to become one of the greats,” while Seth Rollins included him in a shortlist of performers he considers the future of the company.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Oba Femi’s main roster debut?
Oba Femi is scheduled to make his official WWE main roster debut as a participant in the men’s Royal Rumble match, which takes place on Saturday, January 31, 2026. Reports indicate he will begin appearing regularly on RAW or SmackDown immediately afterward.
Why did he leave the NXT Championship?
Femi voluntarily relinquished the NXT Championship by leaving the title belt in the ring after his victory at NXT New Year’s Evil. This act is a traditional wrestling storyline device to write a champion off a brand, signalling his promotion to WWE’s primary television programmes.
What is Oba Femi’s athletic background?
Before wrestling, Oba Femi (Isaac Odugbesan) was a track and field athlete specializing in the shot put. He hails from Lagos, Nigeria, and his raw power and athleticism have been central to his rapid rise in WWE.
Is he considered a future top star?
Yes. Within WWE, Oba Femi is widely viewed as a potential future face of the company. His combination of size, athleticism, and rapid championship success in NXT has marked him as a candidate for a main event push on the main roster.