Oba Femi’s rise in WWE began after signing in 2021 and performing in NXT. He quickly made a name for himself, becoming a two-time NXT Champion and a one-time NXT North American Champion. Femi’s athletic background as a standout track and field athlete at the University of Lagos and later at Alabama further solidified his reputation as a powerhouse in the ring.
In a recent episode of WWE Monday Night Raw, Femi accepted Brock Lesnar’s open challenge for WrestleMania 42, scheduled for April 18-19, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada. This announcement marks a significant milestone for Femi, as it will be his first WrestleMania appearance. The match was confirmed during the March 16 episode of Raw, where Femi showcased his strength by performing a powerbomb on Lesnar.
Lesnar, a veteran in the wrestling world, has a record of 6-6 at WrestleMania events and has made 13 appearances throughout his career. His open challenge was announced on March 16, 2026, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying showdown.
Femi’s actions during the segment on Raw confirmed him as the frontrunner to face Lesnar, with WWE commentators expressing their excitement. Michael Cole exclaimed, “Holy sh*t!” as the crowd reacted to Femi’s bold move. The official WWE account tweeted, “THE RULER IS HERE AND JUST DROPPED BROCK LESNAR! 👑 Did @Obaofwwe just accept Brock Lesnar’s Open Challenge for #WrestleMania?”
Observers note that Femi has been built up as a powerhouse since his main roster call-up earlier this year at the Royal Rumble. The visual of Femi standing over Lesnar, pointing to the WrestleMania sign, was more than just a taunt—it was a declaration that a new era is dawning in WWE.
As the date approaches, fans are eager to see how this match will unfold and what it means for both superstars. Femi’s historic position as the first Nigerian-born superstar to headline a WrestleMania singles match adds an extra layer of significance to this encounter.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any additional stipulations or match formats that may be announced leading up to WrestleMania 42. However, the anticipation surrounding this matchup continues to grow, as both Femi and Lesnar prepare for what could be a defining moment in their careers.
