Oba Femi Seemingly Vacates the NXT Title – Oba Femi successfully defended the NXT Championship for the second time in his second reign by defeating Leon Slater in the main event of WWE NXT New Year’s Evil. While Femi left the match as champion, the closing moments of the show suggested his reign may soon face serious challenges.

Femi entered the bout having made one title defense in the previous 32 days, retaining the championship against 2025 Iron Survivor Challenge winner Je’Von Evans. Leon Slater earned his opportunity by winning a four-way number one contender’s match against Joe Hendry, Dion Lennox, and Myles Borne. Slater also came into the match as the TNA X-Division Champion, aiming to leave the event as a double champion.

The early portion of the match was controlled by Femi, who used his size and power to overwhelm the smaller challenger. Each time Slater attempted to build momentum, Femi shut him down with a single strike or throw. Slater eventually shifted the pace by targeting Femi’s leg after the champion struck his knee against the ring post. That opening allowed Slater to land several attacks and briefly rock the champion.

Despite the surge, Femi regained control with a chokeslam that earned a near fall. Slater continued to fight, connecting with a powerslam for a two-count and later hitting a running senton on the floor. Slater attempted a Swanton 450, but Femi countered by getting his knees up. Slater followed with a quick roll-up for another near fall, but the momentum did not last. Femi responded with the Fall From Grace and secured the pinfall to retain the NXT Championship.

After the match, the broadcast cut to General Manager Ava meeting backstage with WWE Evolve talents to discuss potential call-ups, signaling upcoming roster movement as NXT continues to evolve. Robert Stone interrupted the meeting, questioning whether Ava had seen what Oba Femi had just done in the ring. The show then returned to the arena, where the NXT Championship was left lying in the center of the ring. Tony D’Angelo was shown in the crowd, silently staring at the title as the broadcast faded to black.

This segment suggested that Oba Femi may be vacating the NXT Championship as he prepares for a move to the main roster. In recent weeks, vignettes promoting Femi have aired on Monday Night RAW and Friday Night SmackDown, further pointing toward an impending call-up.

Oba Femi Seemingly Vacates the NXT Title

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