Oba Femi Reveals Why He Vacated NXT Title Before WWE Main Roster Call-Up

TLDR

Oba Femi revealed on the No Contest Wrestling podcast that he vacated the NXT Championship in January 2026 because he had already signed a main roster contract and was guaranteed a call-up, rather than losing the title in a match. Femi explained that his confidence grew after working with Cody Rhodes during John Cena's retirement tour, and he felt NXT had prepared him for the next level. Joe Hendry was crowned the new NXT Champion in February following Femi's relinquishment of the title.