Royal Rumble Loss Changes Everything for Oba Femi as WWE Plans His Next Big Move
Oba Femi didn’t leave the 2026 Royal Rumble with a WrestleMania ticket, but his performance may have earned him something just as important — WWE’s full attention.
Entering the Royal Rumble at No. 1 in Riyadh is usually a near-impossible task, especially for a rising name still carving out his spot. Yet from the opening bell, Femi carried himself like he belonged in the moment. Calm, confident, and physically dominant, he outlasted far more experienced competitors and racked up multiple eliminations before Brock Lesnar finally ended his run.
While the loss was official, the message behind his performance was loud and clear.
Backstage reaction tells a different story
According to backstage chatter following the event, WWE officials were impressed by how Femi handled the pressure of a major premium live event. His timing, in-ring awareness, and ability to stand toe-to-toe with established stars reportedly stood out more than the result itself.
The belief internally is that Femi looked like a main roster talent, not a developmental project. His showing sparked renewed confidence that he’s ready for a more defined and consistent role moving forward.
WWE shifting plans after the Rumble
Sources indicate that WWE is now planning to feature Oba Femi more regularly on main roster television. Rather than sporadic appearances, the expectation is that he settles into either Raw or SmackDown as a full-time presence.
This potential shift doesn’t come out of nowhere. In recent weeks, WWE had quietly teased his rise through brief promos and subtle positioning. The Royal Rumble now appears to have been a proving ground — a deliberate test to see how he would perform against veteran talent under the brightest lights.
Femi passed that test.
A launchpad for future rivalries
Lasting deep into the Rumble from the opening spot gives WWE creative flexibility. It allows them to frame Femi as a serious rising contender rather than a newcomer finding his footing. It also opens the door for future feuds with the stars he crossed paths with during the match, including unfinished business that can easily be revisited.
Within the company, there’s growing belief that Femi has the presence and credibility to anchor fresh storylines as WWE continues reshaping its roster in 2026.
He may have lost the Royal Rumble match — but Oba Femi’s real push could be just getting started.
