The Top Five Aspects of Oba Femi that point toward him being a generational top star for WWE

Oba Femi has had the fastest rise in WWE of anyone I can think of in years. To go from NXT to main eventing SummerSlam in less than a year is remarkable.

In an industry that has for years made sure that wrestlers pay their dues before they are booked in main events, and an era where everything has to build for the right moment in WWE, Oba has earned respect of the audience, fans, and veterans in the locker room.

The last guy I saw rise this fast was Bill Goldberg. When you see a powerhouse come in, make an immediate impact, and main event cards as an unstoppable monster, the comparisons will be made. In that era of WCW, there were enough wrestlers on the payroll who were there simply to be enhancement talent to build him. When he won the title, he had to have the right opponent in the ring if the match was going past five minutes. He didn’t know how to carry the match like most main event players should be able to.

With Oba, his highlights have been against Cody Rhodes and Brock Lesnar. Goldberg had his best matches with the likes of Raven, DDP, and Hulk Hogan. On Sunday Night’s Main Event, Oba’s task was to go out with another younger wrestler and go over ten minutes. I started to see more from Oba that I wanted to see.

His Look

Let’s start with the obvious. The man is built like a 1980s action figure. You know, when He-Man, Rambo, and peak Hulk Hogan physique ruled. His look is incredible that he’s worked incredibly hard for, but was also blessed with the genetics to look the way he does after training.

He’s the man who will pass every “airport test” and make people turn heads no matter where he is. The man was built to be a star, and he chose professional wrestling as the avenue to achieve that start potential.

He’s Respectful

There’s a reason he’s respected by men like Brock Lesnar and Triple H. He knows what to say, and more importantly what not to say. He’s not causing controversy on social media; he’s worked his way through the developmental system with endorsements from many legends. Any time he is interviewed, he’s humble and always looking to get better.

ARTICLE CONTINUED BELOW…

Check out the latest episode of the Wade Keller Podcast weekly Tuesday Flagship: CLICK HERE to stream (or search “wade keller” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or any other iOS or Android app to subscribe free)

A Commanding Voice

His promo abilities will improve. Every young wrestler will develop their skills as they go and become better. At this stage, how does he do?

He commands the audience attention. His accent works in his favor, as it makes the crowd pay closer attention to what he has to say. The strength of it is reminiscent of a voice actor. And he’s developing his catchphrases, being The Ruler. It’s a good start, and his voice will carry him to the point where he’s natural.

Work Ethic

His body and his quick rise shows how hard he works. He’s shown success in other athletic ventures prior to becoming a professional wrestling prospect.

I’ve also heard him quoted in interviews in how he responds to getting better. He naturally wants what went wrong or what could have been better. Too often, humans become defensive when criticized. It’s natural to be, but if you take the criticism as a way to get better, you’ll become better at your craft.

I trained sales people for years. I always preferred someone who listened to criticism as constructive. I wasn’t there to tear a person down. Maybe break a habit or two, but my goal was to take your talents and experience and focus you onto becoming your best. As a wrestling trainer or television producer, your goal is the same, and he’s listening.

He Owns His Spotlight

It starts with his entrance, his poses, and the aforementioned voice. His look is incredible and his moves are powerful. These are traits said of many of main event prospects, so how will Oba stand out?

He showed me two things recently in his feud with Bron Breakker. First was in the promo battle across the contract signing table. He put over Bron in saying he was good enough to be at the top of any era of any wrestling company, but not at the same time as Oba Femi. Oba said it was unfortunate for Bron that he was in the company at the same time as himself.

The other thing that really stood out to me was after hitting a move, Bron gloated. It’s a natural move in wrestling after hitting a power spot to appeal to the crowd for cheers or heat. As the babyface, Oba didn’t allow it. He popped up just enough to shove him and not allow Bron the satisfaction of posing.

It was a small thing, but it shows smart instincts. If I’m in a fight, I may get my ass kicked, but I’m not going to sit by and let you brag about it in front of me. I’ll take another shot from my opponent than to let them run their mouth as long as I can get up. That’s what was said in that moment to me. He couldn’t get to his feet, but he could sit up and push him. That small gesture showed me that the right man has been picked for a fast rise.

(Griffin is a lifelong fan of wrestling, superheroes, and rebellious music of all forms. He is the owner of Nerdstalgia, and you can shop online, learn about visiting the store in Colorado Springs, or catch him at a comic con in the Rocky Mountain area by going to http://nerdstalgia.shop)