Nigerian professional wrestler, Isaac Odugbesan (aka Oba Femi) has sensationally been scheduled for a third epic bout with maverick American grappler, Brock Lesnar instead of gunning for an automatic world title fight after emerging as ‘king of the ring.’
Sports247 gathered that, in contrast with widespread views that Oba Femi will next get a shot at a global belt with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), the former shot put athlete from University of Lagos has agreed to fight Lesnar at SummerSlam in August.
Oba Femi became ‘King of the Ring’ after defeating Jey Uso at Night of Champions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on the 27th of June by escaping a sleeper hold before hitting two running uppercuts, then threw his American opponent across the ring, after which he executed his now famous ‘Fall from Grace’ hold to get a pinfall victory that clinched the crown.
It was another feather of honour for the 28-year-old Oba Femi, a former two-time NXT champion and one-time NXT North American title holder, after winning the NXT Men’s Breakout tournament in 2023 and 2024 Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge.
‘The Ruler’ has seen his stock skyrocket, with massive appeal following him after defeating Lesnar at WrestleMania 42, but the Nigerian grappler lost their rematch last month in Italy and he now appears heading for a third bout with the American icon, whose three titles give him a record for the most reigns as WWE’s Universal Champion.
Dramatically, while the arrangement to fight Lesnar a third time instead of going for the automatic world title shot had initially been taken as a ‘shock decision’ that was reached willingly by ‘The Ruler’ himself, updated information indicates that WWE’s moguls might have muscled him into the agreement.
This speculation has been buttressed by American combat expert, Rosie Cowell, who analysed the situation in a write-up for GIVEMESPORT.com under an article titled ‘Real Reason Why WWE Stripped Oba Femi of His Title Shot Despite Winning King of the Ring.’
Cowell noted in part, “WWE always want to set up the most exciting clashes and storylines between their stars to entice and exhilarate their loyal followers. As it is widely publicised, wrestling is a form of mock combat for entertainment, with roots in both competitive sport and dramatic theatre.
“The matches have narratives, scripted, partially choreographed and the result is predetermined long before the wrestlers enter the ring, which WWE was forced to admit back in 1989. As such, the promotion arranges a wrestler’s next match based on the most enticing plot, which will gain them the best traction; and this is set to take place again.”
