The landscape of Friday Night SmackDown changed forever on February 06 2026, as the “The Ruler” Oba Femi made his highly anticipated in-ring debut for the blue brand. Following a dominant showing at the Royal Rumble, the former NXT Champion has officially transitioned to the main roster, signaling a new era of power in WWE.
SmackDown Debut: A Destructive First Impression
In his first official match as a member of the SmackDown roster, Oba Femi secured a decisive victory using his signature “Fall From Grace.” The Nigerian powerhouse displayed the same raw intensity that defined his record-breaking run in NXT, leaving fans and analysts certain that he is being fast-tracked for main event status. This debut follows his strategic exit from NXT, where he vacated the NXT Championship at New Year’s Evil in January 2026 after a successful title defense against Leon Slater.
Royal Rumble Dominance and the Brock Lesnar Tease
Femi’s momentum reached a fever pitch on January 31 2026, during the Men’s Royal Rumble match. Entering at No. 1, Femi dominated the early stages of the contest, racking up multiple eliminations and showcasing his 6’6″, 310-pound frame. The most talked-about moment of the night occurred when Femi stood face-to-face with “The Beast” Brock Lesnar. While Lesnar eventually eliminated Femi, the confrontation has sparked intense rumors regarding a potential “clash of the titans” match at WrestleMania 42.
The Meteoric Rise of Isaac Odugbesan
Born Isaac Odugbesan on April 22 1998, in Lagos, Nigeria, Oba Femi’s transition from a standout collegiate shot putter at the University of Alabama to a WWE superstar has been unprecedented. His accolades include:
- 2024 NXT Men’s Breakout Tournament Winner: The victory that put the locker room on notice.
- Youngest NXT North American Champion: A historic reign that proved his ability to carry a brand.
- NXT Champion: A title he held until his recent call-up to the main roster.
What’s Next for “The Ruler”?
With the NXT Championship now being contested in a ladder match to crown his successor, Femi’s focus is entirely on the WWE main roster. Industry insiders suggest that WWE management views Femi as a “generational talent” with the potential to reach the same heights as dominant heels like Gunther. As the road to WrestleMania 42 begins, all eyes are on whether Femi will continue his collision course with Brock Lesnar or set his sights on immediate championship gold on SmackDown.
Stay tuned to USA Daily for more exclusive updates on Oba Femi and the latest breaking news from the WWE Universe.