Nigerian professional wrestler Isaac Odugbesan, widely known in the ring as Oba Femi, has opened up about his transition from a promising athletics career to becoming one of World Wrestling Entertainment’s fastest-rising stars.
The 28-year-old athlete, who recently stunned fans with a high-profile victory over Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 42, revealed that his journey into professional wrestling began unexpectedly through social media.
According to Odugbesan, WWE scouts reached out to him via Instagram, presenting an opportunity that would ultimately change the course of his career.
At the time, he was building a strong reputation as a shot-put athlete, competing locally for the University of Lagos and later advancing his career in the United States.
During his athletics stint abroad, he recorded significant achievements, winning multiple championships and establishing himself as a formidable competitor in field events.
However, the contact from WWE marked a turning point, prompting him to consider a move into sports entertainment.
In 2021, he officially joined WWE’s Next In Line programme, an initiative designed to recruit and develop elite athletes from collegiate sports backgrounds.
Since then, Odugbesan has experienced a rapid rise within the company, earning recognition for his strength, agility, and commanding in-ring presence.
Reflecting on his transition, the Nigerian star credited his background in athletics, particularly the discipline, physical conditioning, and competitive mindset developed through shot-put, for helping him adapt quickly to the demands of professional wrestling.
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His breakthrough moment came at WrestleMania 42, where his victory over Lesnar signalled his arrival on the global stage and positioned him as a major force in WWE’s evolving roster.
Odugbesan’s story adds to the growing list of Nigerian athletes making an impact internationally, while also highlighting the increasing role of non-traditional scouting methods, such as social media, in identifying and nurturing global talent.
As his profile continues to rise, Oba Femi is emerging not only as a sports-entertainment star but also as an inspiration to young athletes considering unconventional career paths beyond traditional sports.
