Did Oba Femi just outshine Cody Rhodes on SmackDown ahead of Saturday Night’s Main Event?
Oba Femi confronts Cody Rhodes on WWE SmackDown. Image Credit: WWE
The final WWE SmackDown before Saturday Night’s Main Event delivered a defining moment for Oba Femi, as the reigning NXT Champion boldly confronted Cody Rhodes and walked away with one of the biggest wins, on the microphone, of his young career. In a segment that was meant to further elevate WWE’s top babyface, it was instead Oba Femi who seized control, commanded the crowd, and reshaped expectations heading into their highly anticipated showdown.
Taking place at Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, the episode proved that the future of WWE may have arrived sooner than expected.
Oba Femi Steals the Mic From WWE’s Top Star
Cody Rhodes opened SmackDown discussing Drew McIntyre before being interrupted by Oba Femi, setting the stage for a rare and electric face-to-face between WWE’s present and its future. What followed was a promo exchange that shocked fans and analysts alike.
Femi displayed unshakable confidence, elite presence, and verbal precision, at times completely overshadowing Rhodes, a feat few have accomplished in WWE. Comparisons quickly emerged to John Cena’s legendary “Ruthless Aggression” moment, with Femi positioning himself as a fearless challenger unwilling to play second fiddle.
For many watching, this was not just another NXT crossover, it was Oba Femi’s arrival on the main-roster stage.
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Building Momentum Toward Saturday Night’s Main Event
The confrontation served as the final push for their Saturday Night’s Main Event clash, with WWE clearly trusting Femi in a high-pressure spotlight. While speculation remains that Drew McIntyre could factor into the match, the SmackDown segment succeeded in making one thing clear: Oba Femi belongs in elite company.
Fans praised the segment as one of the strongest go-home promos of the year, with social media buzzing over how effortlessly Femi matched, and arguably surpassed, Rhodes in intensity.
Why This Moment Matters for Oba Femi and WWE
As NXT Champion, Oba Femi has already been positioned as a dominant force, but this SmackDown appearance elevated him beyond developmental status. WWE has long searched for its next breakout powerhouse, and Femi’s blend of size, athleticism, charisma, and confidence has fans believing he could be it.
Facing Cody Rhodes, a modern franchise player, was a calculated risk. Instead of being exposed, Femi thrived, reinforcing WWE’s growing emphasis on NXT as a legitimate pipeline to superstardom.
Fan Reaction and Industry Buzz
The wrestling community quickly labeled the segment the “Uncrowned Gem of the Night,” applauding WWE for allowing the moment to breathe. Analysts noted that it’s rare for Rhodes to be verbally outshined, making Femi’s performance all the more impressive.
With momentum firmly on his side, Oba Femi now enters Saturday Night’s Main Event as far more than an underdog.
What Comes Next After SmackDown?
Regardless of the match outcome, Friday night confirmed that Oba Femi’s ceiling is far higher than previously imagined. Whether WWE follows through with a sustained main-roster push remains to be seen, but the message was unmistakable:
Oba Femi is no longer just the future, he’s the now.
FAQ
Who is Oba Femi in WWE?
Oba Femi is the current NXT Champion and one of WWE’s fastest-rising stars, known for his power, athleticism, and commanding presence.
What happened between Oba Femi and Cody Rhodes on SmackDown?
On the Dec. 12, 2025 episode of SmackDown, Oba Femi interrupted Cody Rhodes and delivered a standout promo that many felt overshadowed Rhodes, intensifying hype for their upcoming match.
Why is Oba Femi vs Cody Rhodes a big deal?
Cody Rhodes is one of WWE’s top stars, and facing him places Oba Femi in elite company, signaling WWE’s confidence in Femi as a future main-event talent.
When will Oba Femi and Cody Rhodes face each other?
They are scheduled to meet at Saturday Night’s Main Event, immediately following the SmackDown confrontation.
Is Oba Femi moving to WWE’s main roster?
While not officially announced, Femi’s prominent SmackDown role suggests WWE is testing him for a major main-roster push.
Did Oba Femi really outshine Cody Rhodes?
Many fans and analysts believe Femi’s confidence and delivery allowed him to steal the spotlight, a rare occurrence against a star of Rhodes’ stature.