Oba Femi Sends Strong Message to Tony D'Angelo Before NXT Title Rematch

Oba Femi, former Alabama athlete, has a message for Tony D'Angelo before their NXT title rematch

Oba Femi, a former Alabama sports star, kept his message simple just one week before defending his NXT North American Championship against Tony D’Angelo.

"Next week, it’s just you and me in the ring. Last time, I beat you, and I planted doubt in your mind. Tony, you can’t beat me," Femi said during NXT’s debut on The CW.

At the WWE NXT No Mercy event in September, Femi defended his championship against D'Angelo. He quickly overpowered D’Angelo, crushing him with a back elbow and a powerbomb, winning the match with another sit-out powerbomb.

Now, they will face off again in a rematch on Tuesday in St. Louis, and the event will be televised on The CW.

"Expect fast-paced action from the future stars of the company," Femi told news this week. "There will be diversity in the wrestlers, each character connecting with someone, including Tony D'Angelo and his Chicago ties."

Femi’s Journey to WWE

Femi, born Isaac Odugbesan in Nigeria, knows what it takes to compete. He started with the track team at Middle Tennessee State before transferring to Alabama. While there, he won the SEC indoor and outdoor shot put titles in 2021 and defended his indoor title the next year.

His favorite memory in Alabama was attending the 2019 Alabama vs. LSU football game, his first-ever Alabama game, even though Alabama lost.

Femi says he always brings his competitive nature, no matter the sport. "It’s always going to be competitive. D’Angelo brings out the best in me. He’s strong, explosive, and very entertaining."

Femi’s WWE Success

Since debuting in 2023, Femi has been on a winning streak. He won the Men’s NXT Breakout Tournament and used his contract to defeat Dragon Lee for the NXT North American Championship in January. Since then, he hasn’t lost and is ranked 53rd in the PWI Top 500 Wrestlers of 2024.

"Success builds confidence," Femi said. "Every opportunity I’ve had, I’ve succeeded, and that makes me trust myself and makes the company trust me."

His authenticity as a Nigerian character has made him a fan favorite. "I’m an authentic Nigerian, and people connect with that because there’s no pretending."

Femi’s Final Message to D’Angelo

As for his upcoming match, Femi has one clear goal: to put Tony D'Angelo in his place.

"It will be just me and Tony in the ring, no one else. When the moment comes, I’ll show him that he’s only the Don of the streets. I am the ruler, the destroyer, the bringer of war—Oba Femi."