Nigeria’s rising wrestling star Isaac Odugbesan, better known in the ring as Oba Femi, stunned the wrestling world with a dominant victory over Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 42 on Sunday.
In what was billed as one of the marquee encounters of the night, the 27-year-old newcomer dispatched the 10-time world champion in less than five minutes, marking an explosive debut on WWE’s grandest stage. The match concluded dramatically, with Femi overpowering the seasoned veteran in emphatic fashion.
Following the defeat, Lesnar left his boots and gear inside the ring—a symbolic act in professional wrestling often interpreted as a farewell.
Nicknamed “The Ruler,” Femi has quickly risen through the ranks, having only spent about three months competing on WWE’s main roster. Despite his relative inexperience at that level, he showcased composure and strength against one of the sport’s most dominant figures.
The contest opened with both competitors engaging in a test of strength. Lesnar gained early momentum, unleashing a flurry of attacks. However, Femi absorbed the offense and turned the tide with a commanding comeback.
Although Lesnar executed his signature F5, Femi recovered almost instantly, responding with a chokeslam before sealing the win with his devastating “Fall From Grace” sit-out powerbomb.
The surprising outcome sparked widespread reactions online, with fans flooding social media to discuss the upset.
Before entering professional wrestling, Odugbesan had a background in athletics, particularly in shot put. He has already built an impressive résumé, including multiple title wins in NXT and notable victories in key tournaments.
Originally from Lagos, he was active in track and field during his school years before joining WWE in 2021 through its NIL (Next In Line) initiative. His achievements include winning the NXT Men’s Breakout Tournament in 2023 and the Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge in 2024.
During the post-show segment, Femi addressed Roman Reigns, hinting at a potential showdown. His remarks drew a strong reaction from the crowd, suggesting a major title pursuit could be on the horizon before the year ends.
