Jeff Jarrett warns Oba Femi’s promo skills are the ‘glaring unknown’ for WWE superstardom

WWE Hall of Famer Jeff Jarrett has pinpointed a significant hurdle in Oba Femi’s path to becoming a top-tier main event star: his promo skills and overall on-screen personality.

Speaking on his “My World” podcast, Jarrett declared Femi’s ability to connect with an audience on the microphone remains the “glaring unknown” for the undeniably talented young wrestler. These observations, published in articles on August 10, 2026, come despite Femi’s recent, dominant in-ring triumphs, including two high-profile victories over Brock Lesnar.

Jarrett’s frank assessment of Femi’s promo skills

Jarrett, a wrestling promoter and veteran talent, believes Femi needs to evolve beyond his intimidating physical presence to truly move tickets and achieve the kind of widespread appeal enjoyed by current WWE headliners. He argues that raw in-ring prowess isn’t enough in today’s entertainment-driven wrestling landscape. The ability to craft compelling narratives and convey personality verbally is paramount for long-term success at the very top.

Jeff Jarrett didn’t mince words when discussing Oba Femi’s current standing during his “My World” podcast appearance. He lauded Femi’s in-ring work but stressed that communication is the missing piece. Jarrett explained that fans need more than just physical feats to invest fully in a performer as a main event draw.

“You have to have the ability to communicate,” Jarrett stated emphatically. He noted that fans won’t solely support Femi based on his victories, even against a legend like Brock Lesnar. Jarrett believes Femi needs dedicated “mic time” and the opportunity to develop a distinct personality for his character.

The “My World” podcast discussion

The conversation on “My World” highlighted the stark contrast between Femi’s in-ring dominance and his developing verbal game. Jarrett, speaking from a promoter’s perspective, emphasized the need for “ticket sellers” and “ticket movers.” He cited stars like CM Punk and Cody Rhodes as examples of performers who can “talk in the building,” regardless of their personal differences.

Jarrett suggested Femi should prioritize this aspect of his craft. He advised that Femi ought to be “developing a personality off camera as much as possible.” This dedicated effort, he argued, is just as crucial as maintaining his impressive physique and in-ring training regimen. He even pointed to AEW’s MJF, a young talent known for his exceptional verbal skills, as a benchmark for effective communication.

Bully Ray joins the chorus of concern

Jeff Jarrett isn’t alone in his assessment of Oba Femi’s evolving skill set. ECW legend Bully Ray also voiced similar concerns about Femi’s microphone abilities last week. Ray believes that the young star could significantly benefit from a seasoned manager to help bridge this gap in his development.

He specifically suggested pairing Femi with Paul Heyman, especially now that Brock Lesnar has officially retired from active competition. While acknowledging the potential awkwardness of a “babyface” star working with a “babyface” manager, Bully Ray thinks Heyman’s unparalleled expertise could further elevate Femi.

Heyman could act as Femi’s mouthpiece, allowing the powerful wrestler to focus on his in-ring performance while honing his verbal skills behind the scenes.

Oba Femi’s meteoric rise to WWE prominence

Despite the current scrutiny over his promo work, Oba Femi’s journey in WWE has been nothing short of extraordinary. Born Isaac Odugbesan in Lagos, Nigeria, the 28-year-old began his athletic career as a highly decorated collegiate track and field star. He amassed ten shot put medals at the Nigerian University Games Association in 2016 before moving to the United States.

Femi continued his collegiate success at Middle Tennessee State University and later the University of Alabama, where he won multiple SEC shot put titles. His formidable athletic background provided a strong foundation for his transition into professional wrestling. He signed with WWE in December 2021 as part of their “Next In Line” (NIL) program, designed to recruit and develop promising college athletes.

From collegiate champion to wrestling royalty

Femi quickly made an impact after reporting to the WWE Performance Center in August 2022. He debuted on an NXT live event in November 2022 and quickly rose through the ranks. His on-screen debut on NXT Level Up followed shortly after, foreshadowing his rapid ascent.

A significant milestone in his career was winning the 2023 NXT Men’s Breakout Tournament. This victory catapulted him into championship contention, leading to two reigns as NXT North American Champion. His second reign lasted an impressive 272 days, marking one of the longest in the title’s history.

Currently, Femi performs on the Raw brand and holds the prestigious title of King of the Ring, a testament to his in-ring dominance.

Dominating Brock Lesnar and establishing a presence

Perhaps Oba Femi’s most defining moments have come through his rivalry with Brock Lesnar. He scored a shocking victory over Lesnar at WrestleMania 42, establishing himself as a formidable force. The rivalry intensified, with Lesnar evening the score at Clash in Italy on May 31, 2026.

Femi ultimately cemented his dominance by defeating Lesnar inside Hell In A Cell at SummerSlam, a victory that also marked Lesnar’s official retirement from the sport. At 6’4″ and 310 pounds, Femi’s slow, methodical entrance and unwavering stare contribute to his “ruler” persona, emphasizing his physical intimidation. His in-ring performances have consistently captivated audiences, proving his capabilities as a powerful and credible threat.

The path forward: evolving a persona for mass appeal

The feedback from veterans like Jeff Jarrett and Bully Ray underscores a critical truth in professional wrestling: brute strength and athletic prowess alone rarely guarantee main event longevity.

While Oba Femi’s physical gifts and in-ring skills are undeniable, his journey to becoming a genuine “ticket mover” hinges on his ability to create a persona that resonates deeply with fans. It’s about more than just winning; it’s about storytelling.

For Femi, this means focusing intently on his verbal delivery and character development. WWE has historically invested in talent with potential, and providing Femi with ample “mic time” and dedicated coaching could unlock his full potential.

The challenge for Femi will be to maintain his intimidating aura while allowing more of his personality, or the personality of his character, to shine through on the microphone. This evolution could turn a dominant athlete into an unforgettable superstar, capable of captivating audiences not just with his power, but with his words.

His impressive background and rapid success suggest he possesses the dedication and work ethic required to overcome this challenge. The comparison to stars like CM Punk and Cody Rhodes isn’t a slight but a roadmap. They built immense popularity on their ability to articulate their characters and rivalries.

Oba Femi has the in-ring foundation; now the wrestling world watches to see if he can master the art of the spoken word, transforming a “glaring unknown” into a compelling attribute.