Nigerian-born WWE star Oba Femi has attributed his growing success in professional wrestling to the resilience and discipline he developed while growing up in Lagos.
Known in WWE as “The Ruler,” the wrestler, whose real name is Isaac Odugbesan, has emerged as one of the promotion’s fast-rising stars following a string of dominant performances, including a recent victory over Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas.
Femi also impressed fans this week with a commanding win over Otis during his open challenge at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska.
Speaking on his journey, the 28-year-old said surviving and thriving in Nigeria prepared him for challenges on the global stage.
“The way the country is structured, if you can make it there, you can survive anywhere,” he said, referencing the popular Nigerian expression, “Naija no dey carry last.”
The Lagos-born wrestler also highlighted the influence of his Yoruba upbringing, saying values such as respect and humility helped shape his character and career.
Before moving to the United States in 2017, Femi represented the University of Lagos at the Nigerian University Games Association, where he won medals in athletics.
He later attended the University of Alabama, where he built a successful track and field career, winning the Southeastern Conference Indoor Shot Put Championship in 2021 and 2022.
Although he had ambitions of competing at the Olympics, Femi said his career path changed after WWE contacted him through social media in 2022.
According to him, his size, athletic ability, and intensity during competitions likely attracted WWE scouts.
Despite qualifying for the 2022 World Championships in athletics, he chose to pursue wrestling full-time, describing it as the beginning of a new chapter in his life.
Beyond wrestling, Femi revealed that he also has a background in visual arts and hopes to reconnect with his passion for art in the future.
Now established in WWE, the Nigerian star says his goal is to inspire young people and leave a lasting impact on the next generation.
