What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon Oba Femi
Mar 19, 2026
Oba Femi, a Nigerian-born professional wrestler and rising WWE/NXT performer, talks about growing up disciplined, his athletic and artistic roots, and the craft of performance. He covers reading body language, training strategies, cultural touches like his beads, and balancing perfectionism with creative trust. Short, candid, and full of behind-the-scenes perspective.
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The Invisible Crew That Makes The Show Work
- Behind-the-scenes crews and referees carry essential storytelling responsibilities that fans rarely see.
- Oba notes refs are the middleman between the ring and back, and backstage teams supply the connective tissue for live shows.
Built Wrestling Knowledge From Tape Delays
- Oba watched WWE on delayed TV and built a tape/CD collection from 2011 onward as a teenager in Nigeria.
- He studied matches from that era, which later informed his ring work and appreciation for complete performers.
Why Heels Often Matter More Than Heroes
- Villains are crucial because they create meaningful obstacles that make heroes compelling.
- Oba prefers heels, arguing that a larger-than-life antagonist raises stakes and gives viewers someone to overcome.