Absent giant, former champion seeking revenge? 4 WWE main roster stars who can challenge for the NXT North American Championship
WWE NXT featured a big-time title match last night with a member of the Monday Night RAW roster taking on the reigning North American Champion. The charismatic Otis challenged Oba Femi for his prized possession.
The two powerhouses had the definition of a hoss fight. The two big meaty men clashed in ways that would make Big E proud. In the end, however, Oba managed to defeat The Alpha Academy member.
He has since made it clear that the title can be defended against anybody from NXT, but also from the main roster. This is quite interesting, as it opens up the opportunity for numerous dream matches, first-time-ever bouts, and intriguing segments.
This article will take a look at four main roster stars who could potentially show up on NXT and challenge Oba Femi for the North American Title. This includes an absent giant, a former Cruiserweight Champion who wants revenge, and others.
Below are four WWE main roster stars who can challenge for the NXT North American Championship.
#4. Omos could have his first match in WWE since April
Omos is one of the most physically imposing and impressive superstars in WWE history. Only stars such as Andre the Giant, Giant Gonzalez, The Big Show, and The Great Khali can compare to the towering giant.
The big man hasn't competed in a WWE ring since April. His last appearance was on the final episode of SmackDown before WrestleMania. He participated in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal but failed to win the match.
Given that Omos is rarely wrestling, his power and aura are being wasted. To make up for it, Shawn Michaels could put the two Nigerian stars together for a one-on-one match. Omos has the size, but Oba likely has the speed and endurance. Which of the two big men will stand tall?
#3. Akira Tozawa may want revenge on Oba Femi
Akira Tozawa is one of the more underrated performers in WWE, or at least he used to be. While he was routinely squashed under the Vince McMahon administration, he has slowly become a more credible figure under Triple H's regime.
The former WWE Cruiserweight Champion has a few reasons to challenge Oba Femi despite their immense size difference. The first reason, of course, is in pursuit of the North American Championship.
Perhaps the bigger reasons lay in what happened on NXT. Oba Femi defended his prized title against Otis and defeated the big man. Not only that, but he needlessly chopped Tozawa during the match. The star trying to stand up for his partner and for himself could lead to him challenging for the gold.
#2. Ilja Dragunov isn't doing much on WWE RAW
Ilja Dragunov is an intense superstar who has won the top title on every WWE brand he has been part of so far, with the exception of his current home of Monday Night RAW. He captured both the United Kingdom Championship on NXT UK and the NXT Title on the white and gold brand.
The Mad Dragon was called up to WWE's main roster in the 2024 Draft. While he has been in a few main events on the red brand, he isn't currently involved with a major storyline. Instead, he is floating around at the moment.
This could give Ilja a chance to quickly return to his old stomping grounds. Prior to Dragunov's call-up, he had a stand-off with Oba Femi in Ava's office. Shawn Michaels could make good on that teaser by having The Mad Dragon challenge for gold.
#1. Shinsuke Nakamura has never battled Oba Femi before
Shinsuke Nakamura is one of the greatest Japanese pro wrestlers of all time. On top of his success in the country, he has gone on to become a major hit in WWE. Nakamura has captured the Intercontinental Title, the United States Title, and the NXT Title.
The King of Strong Style was moved to Friday Night SmackDown in the 2024 Draft, but he hasn't appeared on the brand since that time. While he has worked dark matches and live events, he's otherwise been absent.
The legend has been around for a while and has fought most performers, but one name he has yet to link up with is Oba Femi. Nakamura returning to NXT to battle and maybe even feud with the Nigerian superstar could make for a fascinating clash of styles.