Nigerian track star Oba Femi shines as NXT superstar

(NEXSTAR) – WWE’s Next in Line program prepares college athletes for careers as WWE superstars, and one of its standout participants is 6-foot-4, 310-pound Oba Femi, a native of Nigeria.

Everyone involved in the program has a unique background, and Femi is no exception. Before joining WWE, he had a different career path in mind.

“Before I was a track and field guy, I was a visual artist,” Femi said. “I used to draw, used to paint, thought that was what I was gonna do. Then I found my footing in track and field for many years. Got a scholarship to go to Middle Tennessee, then a year after that, transferred to Alabama, did two years there, graduated, joined WWE, and here I am today.”

Femi is also a three-time SEC champion in track and field, an achievement he’s proud of.

“Three-time SEC champion. Decorated!” Femi said.

Transitioning from track and field to wrestling wasn’t easy for Femi. The physical demands of wrestling are quite different from what he was used to in shot put.

“For shot put, I needed to be big, heavy, strong, explosive, just for one movement for a short period of time. Now I have to lean to the cardiovascular side of things, have to have more stamina to go long distances and long matches. It’s a different sport in itself,” Femi said.

As for what’s next, Femi’s immediate focus is on defending his current title. In just a matter of days, he becomes the longest-reigning NXT North American champion in history.

“Definitely defending right now is the biggest priority,” Femi noted. “And no matter what anybody does, they can’t take that away from me.”

Femi will defend his title Tuesday night on the CW Network against Tony D’Angelo. The show also features WWE legend Randy Orton competing in an NXT ring against Je’Von Evans.

The show takes place live in Orton’s hometown of St. Louis.

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