Confetti fell as Oba Femi held his newly gained WWE NXT Championship at New 12 months’s Evil. The Nigerian-born celebrity stood proudly on the entranceway alongside new NXT Ladies’s Champion Guilia to shut the present. This particular June 6 episode on The CW marked a brand new period for the model recognized for launching WrestleMania headliners.
Femi, 26, definitely has the makings of 1. The monitor and subject NIL [Next In Line] athlete already gained many accolades in a brief period of time together with successful the 2023 Males’s NXT Breakout Event and changing into the longest reigning North American Champion. Now the imposing determine stands on the prime of the mountain at a time when NXT has by no means been hotter.
The night time he gained the gold from Trick Williams in a triple risk with Eddy Thorpe additionally noticed an look from Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. He lent his star energy after opening WWE’s huge Uncooked on Netflix premiere. His daughter recognized in NXT as Ava, the present’s onscreen basic supervisor, accompanied him to the Golden Globes.
Days after successful the title, we caught up with Femi to mirror on the victory and his meteoric rise.
Oba Femi and Guilia (WWE)
What did that night time imply to you?
Oba Femi: Everyone seems to be in search of their second. It nearly handed me by. I nearly didn’t notice that is it and that second. Generally we’re so pushed to get to the following aim and do the following goal we don’t cease to scent the roses. I really feel just like the confetti falling was the belief that this was my second. That I’ve to soak all of it in. The obligations proceed after that. Now I’m the one who has to hold the model. I’m going to present it every part I’ve. I’m going to present the perfect matches, make each look. I’m the brand new Mr. Hustle, Loyalty, Respect. That’s the usual. I need to be that for this model of NXT.
How was it getting that validation from Shawn Michaels?
He advised me congratulations and was happy with what we did. I’ll at all times say we as a result of the present comes along with not only one individual. It’s not simply Oba Femi. He stated he appreciated the match, which is a superb praise from somebody who many name the best of all-time. I’m pleased about sharing these moments with Shawn.
What did you do to have a good time?
I celebrated the following day. I obtained a few drinks and was pleased. I’m not a kind of individuals who must exit and get together and lose their minds. A bit of celebration is all I would like. I strive my greatest to be as strict as doable with what I eat and do. So even going out and consuming a bit cake and having a few drinks is sufficient celebration to me.
It was additionally on this night time that The Rock made his first-ever look on NXT. Had been capable of share any time collectively? How was it having him there?
Everybody is aware of who Rock is. I watched the Rock rising up. He’s undoubtedly an amazing entertainer {and professional} wrestler. He did inform me congratulations. We crossed paths. There was sadly not sufficient time for us to have a full chat and for him to present me some nuggets. Hopefully, this wasn’t the final time he makes an look on NXT. I do know for certain it gained’t be the final time I come throughout him. The subsequent time we do I do know we’ll have extra of a dialog.
When was the second you felt you had been actually connecting to the viewers?
That is how good the officers on the PC (Efficiency Middle) are, Shawn, [Johnny] Russo (head author) and (head coach and vp of expertise growth) Matt Bloom. Earlier than you get to TV, you have got your coconut matches (dwell occasion), the Stage Up and all that stuff. The reactions I’d get, they began to select up on it. I didn’t notice the reception I used to be getting on the time, however they did. They noticed one thing there. They’d noticed the response and connection of me and the gang since November 2022. That’s how way back they noticed it. I’m pleased it was sufficient for them to run with me because the man and provides me the ball as they are saying. I’m pleased, fortunate and privileged to be that man.
You gained the NXT Championship throughout what could be NXT’s highest-rated episode in 5 years. Do you’re feeling added strain constructing on this momentum? You’re now considered one of these locker room leaders.
I’m undoubtedly one of many leaders within the locker room. There are additionally guys who’ve been on this locker room manner longer than I’ve. So, they’ve earned their stripes and place. All I do know is these guys who’ve paid their dues for therefore a few years and wrestled for therefore a few years and will not be within the place they want to be in, the least I can do realizing I’m the man within the place is do my job effectively. The least I owe the boys within the again is to have good matches and carry the model the perfect I can.
The strain undoubtedly goes up. Am I feeling the strain? No. I really feel if I give it my all, I feel we’ll ship on each mission we’ve set for us in 2025. It’s about doing what obtained you to the dance. Plenty of instances folks attempt to change the formulation or change it up, you’ll be able to’t try this. It’s a must to come to bounce and lead with the individuals who introduced you to the dance. If I do what I did in 2024 leveling up I feel we’ll ship in 2025.
What’s the perfect piece of recommendation you’ve been given up to now?
I’ve had so many nuggets of recommendation the previous two-and-a-half years. Generally it’s bizarre issues folks say that may make it click on in your head. Individuals can say so that you can have a look at the onerous digicam, and do all these cues. You don’t actually get it till somebody says, “You recognize what? Personal your individual house.” Then it clicks.
Generally there isn’t a nugget of knowledge I can let you know somebody advised me that may universally work for everybody. There is no such thing as a such factor. I feel it comes all the way down to the fixed folks telling me issues that click on. Be huge, be you, personal your individual house. Inform them who you’re. That was an enormous one for me. Each time I’m on display screen, allow them to know who you’re. There are simple methods to try this by saying your identify in each promo. That’s why folks confer with themselves within the third individual. The Rock says…Individuals try this, however it doesn’t must be that. It’s simply the little belongings you do. The way in which you promote one thing.
WWE
Is there anybody who has been an everyday coaching accomplice?
I actually like working with Ivar. Ivar teaches the large man lessons on the PC. He is available in, rolls round with us, watches our matches with us. We helped him prepare for his huge return to WWE Uncooked on Monday nights. Congrats to him changing into a tag champ. He’s an enormous one who has been useful the previous two years.
Is there one factor that folks can be shocked to learn about you?
I really feel it’s extra who I’m. Below all of this, I’m only a man. I do like being a dude, going out to Dwelling Depot or Walmart. I simply go locations and do common issues. I feel that’s what takes folks aback essentially the most. Generally somebody will see me on the mall and say, “Hey Oba! Good to fulfill you, I didn’t suppose I’d see you right here.” I ask them why they didn’t suppose they might see me on the mall. I would like garments too. Individuals have undoubtedly began to acknowledge me extra now. Individuals began to take discover.
Oba Femi and Trick Williams (WWE)
You talked about Hustle, Loyalty, Respect. The mantra of John Cena, who has begun his retirement tour. You’re the NXT champion. What are your ideas on having a match with him?
That may be one thing on my bucket record as a result of John Cena is a kind of guys I’ve at all times wished to wrestle. Now that I do know it’s his farewell tour, there is no such thing as a time like the current. I’d like to do it. If it’s not within the playing cards although, I additionally perceive. I’ve a model to hold and symbolize. That’s my primary goal anyway.
With regards to backstage segments, considered one of your onscreen companions has been Ava. How is it working off her as she is rising her profession as effectively?
Ava is doing a implausible job as basic supervisor of NXT. The mayor as I say,. Everybody is aware of her extra because the supervisor on TV, however I get to know Ava as an individual. That can also be very nice. She is cool.
The subsequent huge occasion for NXT is Vengeance Day on February 15. Anybody you need to defend towards?
Vengeance Day, I feel Trick Williams could be essentially the most logical option to go when it comes to contenders. On the similar time, I don’t suppose personally he deserves it. He made a triple risk match. If he desires to be offended at Eddy’s involvement within the match, that’s cool. It’s his downside. I feel we should always have an everyday primary contender match, four-way match or match. Whoever wins, wrestles the ruler on Vengeance Day.
Earlier than that, we now have the Royal Rumble. Ideas on getting into the sector?
If it’s within the playing cards, it’s within the playing cards. If it’s not, it’s not. As I stated, I’m the NXT Champion. Right here I’m. Let’s make NXT nice.
WWE NXT, Tuesdays, 8/7c, The CW