Former champion says main roster move was already secured
Summary
– Oba Femi vacated the NXT Championship ahead of main roster debut
– He confirmed he was guaranteed a call-up before relinquishing the title
– Femi says he left without losing to make a statement
Oba Femi did not drop the NXT Championship in defeat. He gave it up by design.
Speaking on the No Contest Wrestling podcast on February 11, 2026, Femi revealed that his move to the main roster had already been finalized before he relinquished the title. He confirmed that he had signed his contract and was awaiting brand assignment.
According to Femi, the decision was strategic. He was never meant to lose the championship on his way out. Instead, he walked away as champion, closing his NXT chapter on his own terms.
Femi also pointed to a key confidence boost during his time in NXT. Competing against Cody Rhodes during John Cena’s retirement run reinforced his belief that he was ready for the next level. He described that moment as proof that NXT had fully prepared him for the transition.
Joe Hendry would later become NXT Champion, but Femi’s departure was not framed as a torch-passing moment. He emphasized that the exit was intentional and reflected the company’s view of him moving forward.
Now officially on the main roster, Femi understands the spotlight is brighter. He acknowledged being included in a small group of select call-ups and made it clear he intends to justify that faith.
For Femi, relinquishing the championship was not about avoiding defeat. It was about making a statement. He did not leave NXT because he was beaten. He left because he was ready.
