According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, former NXT Champion Oba Femi is not expected to join WWE’s main roster anytime soon. The update comes just days before WWE Crown Jewel on October 11 and shuts down speculation that he might be revealed as Sami Zayn’s mystery opponent at the event in Perth, Australia.
Femi has been one of NXT’s standout performers under Shawn Michaels’ direction. He set the record as the longest-reigning North American Champion in history, won the Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge, and later captured the NXT Championship—firmly establishing himself as a top name in the brand.
Talk of a main roster call-up picked up after Femi dropped the NXT Championship to Ricky Saints at No Mercy. In the past, big names often moved to Raw or SmackDown shortly after losing their titles in NXT, fueling the belief that Femi’s promotion was imminent. But the report indicates WWE still has plans for him in NXT, leaving his next steps open-ended now that he’s without a championship.
Meanwhile, Crown Jewel’s card is filling up with major matches. Two champion vs. champion bouts will decide the men’s and women’s Crown Jewel titleholders. World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins is the betting favorite against WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, who holds a 3-0 record over Rollins from their 2022 rivalry.
John Cena will also face AJ Styles in a match announced through social media. The clash revisits their 2016 feud and continues Cena’s farewell tour. On the women’s side, Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer meets WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton, whose reign has passed 270 days. With Vaquer only recently winning her belt at WrestlePalooza after Naomi vacated it, a new unified champion is guaranteed.
The show will also feature a non-title tag team match in Australia, with Rhea Ripley teaming up with IYO SKY against Asuka and Kairi Sane, The Kabuki Warriors. The match comes after the Warriors ambushed Ripley and SKY in a recent storyline.
What do you think about Oba Femi staying in NXT for the foreseeable future? Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned to Wrestling Noticias for the latest updates.