Absent WWE Star Makes Surprise Return To Win NXT Iron Survivor Challenge

A WWE mystery has been solved.

Following a defeat to Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc on October 27th, Oba Femi disappeared. The longest-reigning North American Champion in history has long been regarded as a star of the future, but there appeared confusion about what was coming next.

After the event, there was speculation Oba Femi had been “saying his goodbyes” backstage and a call-up to the main roster was imminent. However, those rumours were quickly debunked.

In the hours before NXT Deadline, it was reported by Fightful Select Femi had been enjoying time off in Nigeria, although there was some uncertainty around his contractual situation. Despite this, one NXT source said they would be “shocked” if the company hadn’t extended the deal he signed in 2021.

The report added that Femi was expected back in the ring “sooner rather than later” but fans weren’t quite expecting it to be this soon.

NXT Deadline Gives Glimpse To WWE Future

Ahead of Deadline it was announced by NXT General Manager Ava that Eddy Thorpe was unable to compete so wouldn’t be taking part in the Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge. Thorpe had only been added to the match on December 3rd after beating Cedric Alexander, Axiom, and Lexis King.

With Thorpe out of the equation, Oba Femi made a surprise return and immediately made an impact. The star quickly pinned Je’Von Evans before scoring a double-pin on Wes Lee and Nathan Frazer. This left him with three points, and although Evans looked to pin Femi to even things up, the time limit elapsed before he could get it done.

As a result of the win, Femi is now the number-one contender for the NXT Championship.