Backstage update on rumored plans for Oba Femi on WWE RAW - Reports

Oba Femi has been one of WWE NXT's most dominant superstars of 2024. He kicked the year off by winning the 2023 Breakout Tournament and wasted no time in capturing championship gold. Rumors on Femi's WWE future picked up even before his recent devastating loss, but now sources are clearing some things up while dropping major scoops on what's in the works.

The Ruler of NXT joined WWE NIL in December 2021, while still in college and with no wrestling experience. Femi debuted in November 2022 and arrived on the main NXT show in April 2023, but then took a five-month hiatus. He returned for the Breakout Tournament, winning it on January 2. Oba cashed in on Dragon Lee the next week to become North American Champion just thirteen months and twenty-nine days after debuting.

Tony D'Angelo dethroned Femi earlier this month, ending the longest reign in the title's history at 272 days. Rumors and speculation on WWE calling up the 26-year-old increased after The Don's win, then again when Femi lost Sunday's rematch at Halloween Havoc as RAW the next night was booked for the same venue. However, shortly before showtime, backstage sources indicated that Femi would not be debuting.

Backstage sources have responded to the possibility of a Femi call-up with ignorance, according to an update from Fightful Select. This is not a shot at Femi as many within the company view him as a future WWE champion.

There was a feeling that Femi could remain in NXT for the time being, and that narrative came from sources in production and the locker room. Multiple sources have confirmed that there was no sign of Femi saying his goodbyes on Sunday night, adding that backstage NXT farewells are rarely kept a secret.

WWE officials have reportedly seen Femi as a future main roster champion for a while, going back to his North American Championship win in January. In regards to other recent rumors, there continues to be a belief that Femi has been earmarked for a run with the NXT Championship. There's talk of this reign beginning at Stand & Deliver 2025 with a win over current champion Trick Williams, but sources could not confirm that Femi vs. Williams is in the company's immediate plans.

RAW and NXT being in Cleveland opened the door to potential special appearances, but Femi was not backstage, and there are no immediate plans for his call-up to the red brand. With all that being said, officials in NXT and the main roster remain high up on the college shot-put champion.

Updated lineup for WWE NXT 2300

WWE is set to present its next special edition of NXT on Wednesday, November 6. The episode is airing on a different night, and going head-to-head with AEW Dynamite, to avoid U.S. Presidential election coverage on Tuesday night.

NXT 2300 will air live from Philadelphia at the former ECW Arena, now known as the 2300 Arena. Below is the updated lineup:

Appearances by Rob Van Dam, Francine, and other ECW Originals
Tony D'Angelo will appear (rumored for a segment with Nunzio)
Giulia, Stephanie Vaquer, Jordynne Grace, Zaria, and Kelani Jordan vs. Roxanne Perez, Cora Jade, Fallon Henley, Jacy Jayne, and Jazmyn Nyx
Hardcore Match: Lola Vice vs. Jaida Parker (Special Referee: Dawn Marie)
Bubba Ray Dudley and Trick Williams vs. Ethan Page and Ridge Holland

Several ECW originals are expected to appear next week at NXT 2300, in addition to the names announced. Sources have revealed one blockbuster name that may return on the show.