The former North American Champion, Oba Femi made a shocking return at WWE NXT Deadline this weekend in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He entered the Iron Survivor Challenge match, replacing Eddy Thorpe.
The match initially featured Wes Lee, Je’Von Evans, Nathan Frazer, Ethan Page, and Eddy Thorpe. However, Thorpe was unable to compete after a backstage attack on last week’s edition of WWE NXT. Femi, who stepped in as Thorpe’s replacement, became the final competitor.
As the match neared its end, Je’Von Evans and Ethan Page were tied at two points. Before the 25-minute mark, Femi delivered a powerful double chokeslam, taking down Lee and Frazer, and securing a double pin. This move allowed him to score three points, win the match, and earn the title of number one contender for Trick Williams’ NXT Championship.
Femi’s return stunned the fans, as the last time he appeared was in October during NXT Halloween Havoc. There, he lost to Tony D’Angelo in a Tables, Ladders & Scares match. Femi had held the title as the longest-reigning WWE NXT North American Champion for 273 days before losing his rematch to D’Angelo. After that, he went on hiatus until this past weekend. Reports have now revealed the reason behind his absence from WWE NXT.
Why Oba Femi missed WWE NXT: Reports confirm he was in Nigerian
According to Fightful Select, behind the paywall, Oba Femi, who had been on hiatus since WWE NXT Halloween Havoc, was enjoying his break in Nigeria. The report also stated that he was expected to return soon. This came to fruition when he made his return at WWE NXT Deadline this past weekend.
With Femi now becoming the number one contender for Trick Williams’ WWE NXT Title, Williams faces a huge challenge ahead. At NXT Deadline, Williams successfully retained his title against Ridge Holland, but Femi’s return sets up an exciting new rivalry.
