Oba Femi: A Night with the Beast
On wrestling’s grandest stage, the Nigerian WWE star steps into the biggest match of his career as he faces one of the sport’s most dominant figures, Brock Lesnar. Vanessa Obioha reports
One of the most anticipated matches of Wrestlemania 42 is happening tonight as Nigeria’s WWE star Oba Femi takes on ‘The Beast Incarnate,’ Brock Lesnar. The buzz has been intense with WWE denizens divided in their loyalties. The question on many lips is can Oba Femi, a former NXT champion, join the elite group of wrestlers who have managed to conquer Lesnar?
For nearly two decades, Lesnar has embodied dominance in the world of professional wrestling. A multiple-time world champion, he has headlined WrestleMania on several occasions and remains one of the most physically imposing figures in WWE history. His victories are usually bold statements, often delivered through his signature moves, the F-5 and the punishing trips to “Suplex City.”
His résumé is stacked with defining and intriguing moments. For instance, in 2014, he ended The Undertaker’s legendary WrestleMania undefeated streak, a feat that many never saw coming. Over the years, only a handful of wrestlers have been able to claim victories over him, among them Seth Rollins, who defeated him twice in 2019 to earn the moniker “Beast Slayer,” as well as John Cena, Drew McIntyre, Roman Reigns, and Cody Rhodes. To defeat Lesnar is to enter a rarefied space in wrestling lore indeed.
After stepping away from WWE in 2023 amid the controversy surrounding former chairman Vince McMahon, Lesnar returned in 2025 during a John Cena match at Summerslam. His dominance remains intact but now seems shaky after Oba Femi’s recent moves on him, making fans wonder if Oba would demystify the dominance of the Beast Incarnate. Born Isaac Odugbesan in Lagos, Oba Femi represents a new generation of Nigerian talent making its mark on the global stage. Before wrestling, he built a career in track and field, specialising in the shot put while studying Visual Art, eventually moving to the United States to further his athletic ambitions.
His entry into WWE came in 2021 after being discovered through social media. At 6-foot-6 and over 300 pounds, he brought both size and intensity, two major qualities that translated seamlessly into the ring.
“I’m guessing they saw the package. They saw the size,” said Femi in a recent CNN interview. “They saw some of my throwing videos. I showcased some sort of intensity during my throwing. I’m sure that’s what drew them to the market.”
Since making his NXT debut in 2022, he has quickly established himself as one of the brand’s standout performers, capturing both the NXT Championship and the NXT North American title. But beyond titles, it is his presence that sets him apart.
From his entrance—complete with traditional-inspired aesthetics and the rhythmic chants of “Oba” that echo through arenas—to his commanding in-ring persona, Femi has crafted an identity that resonates strongly with fans, particularly Nigerians eager to see themselves reflected on a global platform.
While he is not the first Nigerian to feature prominently in WWE—stars like Omos and Apollo Crews have carried the flag—Femi’s rise has been marked by a distinct charisma and cultural expression that sets him apart.
Tonight’s clash, set to open the second night of WrestleMania 42, represents more than just another match. It is a defining moment.
If Femi can withstand Lesnar’s brute force, counter the devastating F-5, and impose his own rhythm on the match, he could do more than secure a victory. A win would not only position him among the few who have toppled Lesnar but also signal the arrival of a new African force in the upper echelons of professional wrestling. The stakes even feel higher for Nigerian fans who see him as a symbol of possibility, one whose success could further cement Nigeria’s growing presence in global sports entertainment.
Whether Oba Femi emerges victorious or not tonight, this moment with the Beast Incarnate will remain unforgettable.
