Houston / Stamford – March 17, 2026 WWE Hall of Famer and current analyst Booker T has named the one NXT star who has “finally” changed his mind and earned his full respect after months of skepticism.
During the latest episode of his Hall of Fame podcast (released March 16, 2026), Booker singled out Oba Femi, the dominant Nigerian powerhouse who has held the NXT North American Championship since January 2025 and recently defended it in brutal fashion against challengers such as Tony D’Angelo, Wes Lee, and Trick Williams.
Booker, known for being tough on modern talent and often critical of wrestlers he feels lack old-school fundamentals, admitted he was initially unimpressed with Femi’s early run. “I watched this kid come in big, strong, athletic, but I was like, ‘Okay, let’s see if he can actually tell a story in the ring,’” Booker said. “I’ve been hard on him because I wanted to see more than just power moves and size. But man… he’s finally won me over.”
The turning point, according to Booker, was Femi’s recent multi-man title defenses and his ability to blend raw physicality with improved pacing, crowd psychology, and selling. “The way he carried himself in that triple threat with Trick and Wes—controlled chaos, didn’t rush, made every big move count—that’s when I said, ‘Alright, this kid gets it.’ He’s not just a big man throwing people around anymore. He’s becoming a complete performer.”
Booker went on to compare Femi’s current trajectory to his own early career: “I remember when people doubted me because I was big and they thought that’s all I had. Oba’s proving he’s more than that. He’s got that ‘it’ factor now. I’m a fan.”
Fan & Industry Reaction
The comments have sparked strong reactions on social media. Many NXT viewers agreed with Booker’s assessment, pointing to Femi’s improved mic work, in-ring psychology, and ability to make opponents look strong even in defeat. Others noted that Femi’s 400+ day title reign (one of the longest in North American Championship history) has forced even skeptics to take notice.
WWE insiders say Femi is being positioned for a main-roster call-up by mid-to-late 2026, possibly as part of the next wave alongside stars like Trick Williams, Ethan Page, and Roxanne Perez. Triple H has reportedly praised Femi’s work ethic and growth in private meetings.
Booker concluded his praise with a warning: “He’s got everything to be a top guy, but he can’t get complacent. Stay hungry, keep learning. The moment you think you’ve arrived, that’s when you fall off.”
The full episode of Hall of Fame is available now on YouTube and podcast platforms, where Booker also discusses the current WWE title picture, the rise of women’s wrestling, and his thoughts on the latest NXT Stand & Deliver card.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why was Booker T initially skeptical of Oba Femi? A: He felt early matches focused too much on power and size without enough storytelling, psychology, or selling.
Q: What changed Booker’s mind? A: Femi’s recent title defenses, particularly multi-man matches, showed better pacing, crowd control, and overall in-ring maturity.
Q: Is Oba Femi expected to move to the main roster soon? A: Yes—industry reports suggest a call-up is likely in mid-to-late 2026, depending on creative plans.
Q: How long has Oba Femi held the NXT North American Championship? A: Over 400 days as of March 2026, one of the longest reigns in the title’s history.
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