Booker T Endorses Oba Femi for WWE Main Roster Despite NXT No Mercy Setback

Booker T Declares Oba Femi Ready for WWE Primetime

Former NXT Champion Oba Femi possesses the skill set to promptly impact WWE’s main roster, according to two-time Hall of Famer booker T.The assessment comes following Femi’s recent championship bout at NXT No Mercy, where he faced Ricky Saints.

A champion’s Grace in Defeat

Booker T lauded Femi’s performance, even in defeat, emphasizing his maturity and ring generalship despite having only been in the professional wrestling industry for three years. He noted that Femi displayed the poise of a seasoned veteran, both inside and outside the wrestling ring.

“Big ups to Ricky Saints for the win,” Booker T stated on his Hall of Fame podcast.”But also, big ups to oba Femi for quarterbacking that match so well at such a young stage in his career. His ability to command the ring is truly impressive.”

The Mark of a True Performer

The wrestling icon highlighted a critical quality of top-tier performers: the capacity to deliver compelling performances regardless of the outcome. Booker T asserted that a wrestler’s losses should be as captivating as their victories, and Femi exemplified this trait.

“A true artist makes their losses just as impactful as their wins,” Booker T explained. “And that’s exactly what Oba femi did. He lost with the same intensity and charisma he displays when he’s winning.”

Rapid Ascent and Promising Future

Booker T further attributed Femi’s swift rise to his distinctive ring style and compelling character work.He believes Femi’s ability to connect with audiences is a key factor in his success.

“He doesn’t rely on overly complex maneuvers, but everything he does feels genuine and believable,” Booker T added. “He’s progressed remarkably quickly.”

Ready for the Big Leagues?

When directly asked if Femi is prepared for a move to RAW or smackdown, booker T offered an unequivocal endorsement. “I truly believe Oba can compete with the top stars right now,” he said. “I believe he’s ready. If WWE pulls the trigger, I think they’ll see great results.”

Femi initially captured the NXT Championship in January 2025. He secured the title by cashing in his NXT Breakout Tournament contract against Dragon Lee, initiating a 263-day reign that ended at the hands of Ricky saints at No Mercy.

Did You Know? The NXT Breakout Tournament has consistently been a launching pad for future WWE stars, with previous winners including current main roster talent like Ilja Dragunov and Wes Lee.

The evolution of WWE Talent Growth

WWE’s developmental system, primarily through NXT, has become increasingly sophisticated over the past decade. Originally conceived as a more developmental territory, it has evolved into a brand with it’s own dedicated fanbase and critically acclaimed storylines. This focus on quality storytelling and character development is intended to prepare wrestlers for the demands of the main roster.

The modern approach emphasizes not just in-ring skills, but also promo ability, character work, and the ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level.This is a departure from earlier eras, where raw athleticism and wrestling technique were often prioritized.

Developmental Era	Focus	Key characteristics
Territories (pre-2000s)	In-Ring Skill	Regional Style, Limited Storytelling
Ohio valley Wrestling (early 2000s)	Fundamentals	Basic Training, Character Development
NXT (2012-Present)	All-Around Performance	Storytelling, Promo Skills, Charisma

Pro Tip: Pay attention to how WWE utilizes NXT as a testing ground for new ideas and characters. Often, success in NXT is a strong indicator of potential on the main roster.

Frequently asked Questions About Oba Femi

• What is Oba Femi’s current wrestling status? Oba Femi most recently competed in NXT, where he lost the NXT Championship to Ricky Saints at No Mercy.
• How long did Oba Femi hold the NXT Championship? Femi held the NXT Championship for 263 days.
• Who is Booker T? Booker T is a two-time WWE Hall of Famer and a respected commentator and analyst in professional wrestling.
• What are the key qualities Booker T sees in Oba Femi? Booker T praises Femi’s ring generalship,maturity,charisma,and ability to deliver captivating performances.
• Is there a consensus that Oba Femi is ready for the main roster? While the final decision rests with WWE management, Booker T believes Femi is fully prepared for a move to RAW or SmackDown.
• What makes a prosperous transition from NXT to the main roster? A successful transition requires a combination of in-ring skill, compelling character work, and the ability to connect with a wider audience.
• What does it mean to ‘quarterback’ a match? In wrestling terms, ‘quarterbacking’ a match refers to a wrestler’s ability to control the pace and narrative of the bout, leading both themselves and their opponent.

What are your thoughts on Oba Femi’s potential on the main roster? Do you agree with Booker T’s assessment?

Share your opinions in the comments below!

How does Oba Femi’s recent performance at NXT No Mercy impact booker T’s assessment of his readiness for the main roster?

The Aftermath of No Mercy: Femi’s Performance & Future

Oba Femi’s match at NXT No Mercy against Ilja Dragunov, while a valiant effort, ended in defeat. Despite not capturing the NXT championship, the 23-year-old Nigerian powerhouse has quickly become a fan favorite adn a talking point within WWE. The match itself, a brutal and physical contest, showcased Femi’s raw athleticism and undeniable potential. Manny fans and analysts were left wondering what the future holds for the rising star, especially after a high-profile loss. Discussions around NXT championship contenders and Oba Femi’s WWE future have exploded online.

Booker T’s Strong Endorsement: A Vote of Confidence

Hall of Famer Booker T, a five-time WCW Champion and two-time WWE Champion, has publicly voiced his strong support for oba Femi’s immediate promotion to the WWE main roster.speaking on his “Hall of Fame” podcast on September 29th, 2025, Booker T stated that Femi possesses a unique combination of size, power, and charisma that is sorely needed on Raw or SmackDown.

“This kid, Oba Femi, he’s got ‘it.’ He’s got that something special. He lost to Dragunov, yes, but he looked every bit the star. He doesn’t need to spend another day in developmental. Get him on the main roster now,” Booker T emphatically stated. He further elaborated that Femi’s presence would instantly elevate the mid-card and provide a fresh, exciting opponent for established stars. This endorsement carries significant weight, given Booker T’s keen eye for talent and his role as a WWE commentator and trainer.

Why Booker T Believes femi is Ready: Key Attributes

Booker T pinpointed several key attributes that make Femi main-roster ready:

* Physicality: Femi’s imposing physique and powerful moveset immediately grab attention. He’s a believable threat in the ring.

* charisma: Despite being relatively new to the professional wrestling scene,Femi exudes natural charisma and connects with the audience. His post-match interactions and in-ring presence are captivating.

* Untapped Potential: Booker T believes Femi is still developing and has a massive ceiling for growth. He sees Femi as a project WWE can build around for years to come.

* Unique Background: Femi’s Nigerian heritage and athletic background (track and field) offer a unique story and appeal to a diverse audience. This aligns with WWE’s increasing focus on global representation.

These factors contribute to the growing buzz surrounding Oba Femi’s potential in WWE.

Potential Main Roster Opponents & Storylines

The possibilities for femi on the main roster are numerous.Here are a few potential opponents and storylines:

* Gunther: A clash of power and intensity between Femi and the Intercontinental Champion would be a compelling matchup.

* Drew McIntyre: A veteran like McIntyre could help elevate Femi and provide valuable in-ring experience.

* Finn Balor: Balor’s heelish tactics and technical prowess would create a dynamic contrast with Femi’s raw power.

* Roman reigns (if still champion): While a long-term goal, a future feud with the tribal Chief would instantly establish Femi as a top star.

Storylines could focus on Femi’s journey as a newcomer challenging established authority, or his rise to prominence as a dominant force in WWE. The WWE main roster debut of Oba Femi is eagerly anticipated by many fans.

NXT’s Role in developing Future Stars: A Case Study

Oba Femi’s relatively rapid ascent from NXT to potential main roster status highlights the effectiveness of WWE’s developmental system. NXT serves as a proving ground for young talent, allowing them to hone their skills and develop their characters before facing the challenges of the main roster.

* Bron Breakker: Another NXT success story, Breakker quickly made an impact on Raw after being called up.

* Robert Stone: Stone’s management of Femi in NXT helped to build his character and get him over with the audience.

* Shawn Michaels: NXT’s head of creative, Michaels, has been instrumental in identifying and nurturing promising talent like Femi.

This system allows WWE to carefully curate its talent pool and ensure that stars are ready for the spotlight when they arrive on Raw or SmackDown. The NXT developmental system is crucial for WWE’s long-term success.

The Risk vs. Reward of a Premature Call-Up

While Booker T’s endorsement is strong, some argue that Femi may benefit from additional time in NXT to further refine his skills. Though,the risk of losing momentum and fan interest is also a concern. WWE has a history of calling up talent too early or too late, and finding