Nigerian wrestler, Oba Femi has emerged as World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)'s breakout star after defeating Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas on 19 April, in what could be the end of Lesnar’s 25-year career.
The 6ft 6in, 310lb athlete, known in the ring as "The Ruler," beat the WWE legend in under five minutes using his signature "Fall from Grace" manoeuvre.
Femi's victory has positioned him as one of the sport’s most talked-about rising talents.
Speaking to CNN’s Larry Madowo in Stamford, Connecticut, ahead of the bout, the 28-year-old said he had long admired Lesnar but was ready to step out of his shadow.
"I idolised him, I villainised him, so at WrestleMania when I beat him, I’m going to humanise him. I’ll show him the door," he said.
Femi’s finishing move sees him lift an opponent onto his shoulders before slamming them to the mat on their back.
He explained the name depicts a symbolic fall from favour that "When you’re no longer special in the king’s eyes, you’ve fallen from grace. When my opponents are no longer in favour with The Ruler, they fall from grace."
Following the defeat, Lesnar left his boots and gloves in the ring, a traditional gesture suggesting retirement in professional wrestling.
Born Isaac Odugbesan in Lagos, Femi credits his Nigerian upbringing for his resilience.
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"If you can make it there, you can survive anywhere," he said, referencing the popular Pidgin phrase "Naija no dey carry last," which means Nigerians never finish last.
He also stressed the influence of Yoruba culture, saying respect and likability have been key to his journey.
Before entering WWE, Femi was a standout shot putter at the University of Alabama.
He won the Southeastern Conference indoor shot put title in 2021 and 2022, and the outdoor title in 2022 with a record throw of 20.7 metres.
Also, he had qualified for the 2022 World Athletics Championships but chose to pursue wrestling instead after being approached by WWE on social media.
Femi holds a bachelor’s degree in visual arts and said art was his first passion as a child.
Though he stepped away from art after it began to feel like an obligation, he has not ruled out returning to it in the future.
Now focused on wrestling, Femi said he wants to inspire the next generation.
"I just want to be that symbol of emotional attachment for some young child watching right now, so when they grow up they can say, 'I remember watching Oba Femi.'"
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