Oba Femi has stood out among WWE's 2026 main roster arrivals more than any other new face. The former NXT champion built a strong run in developmental that set the stage for what he has faced on Raw and SmackDown, and after a couple of small programs early on, the feud that truly launched his run saw him defeat Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 42.

With that Lesnar storyline currently on the back burner, WWE still has to map out what comes next for The Ruler through the rest of the year. One of Femi's biggest assets is his size, which makes finding a legitimate physical challenge harder than it is for most main roster stars.

Feud directions under discussion for 2026

Several opponents fit different kinds of programs for Femi, from power vs power clashes to promo driven mind games and generational rivalries among rising stars. Seven matchup ideas are on the table for his next chapter.

1. Drew McIntyre. McIntyre has the height, build, and power to stand toe to toe with The Ruler, which makes him an ideal opponent on paper. The Scottish Warrior has not been seen on WWE TV since losing to Jacob Fatu at WrestleMania, so he will need a fresh rival when he returns. This is the kind of feud WWE could stretch across a few months because it would be fresh, their clashes could be epic, and it would give both men a new opponent at a time when many established stars have already crossed paths.
2. Randy Orton. For many of the same reasons as McIntyre, Orton would make a strong opponent for Femi. The Viper is one of the longer standing veterans on the main roster, and with his schedule being what it is, WWE only books him when there is something important for him to do. Helping build the next generation of main event stars qualifies as important, which could put him on course to battle The Ruler. Orton is no stranger to powerhouses and is pretty big himself these days. Combined with his skills on the mic, he is someone who could help Femi reach the next level in his career.
3. CM Punk. While McIntyre and Orton would give Femi more of a physical challenge, Punk would be a completely different kind of opponent. Punk is more cerebral in his approach and uses his words to get in opponents' heads, which would present Femi with a different test. Femi has never had to rely on his promo skills as much as other Superstars because part of what makes his character intimidating is his no nonsense approach. The Straight Edge Superstar would force The Ruler to develop his promo skills during a feud, and those skills are just as valuable in pro wrestling as what a performer can do between the ropes.
4. Royce Keys. Among newer main roster faces, Keys would make a strong rival for Femi. Both men arrived on the main roster around the same time, and both share many of the same qualities that make them fun to watch. This is the kind of feud WWE could develop over the course of several years, much like it did with John Cena and Orton during their careers. Keys is just as big and strong as Femi, but he also has more experience in the ring, so he would provide a unique challenge for The Ruler to overcome.
5. Carmelo Hayes. Femi and Carmelo Hayes may have overlapped in NXT, but they have only ever shared the ring one time for a Fatal 4 Way match a couple of weeks ago. Melo is a completely different kind of Superstar. He is smaller, relies on his speed and agility, and he is one of the more versatile workers on the roster. Pairing him with a powerhouse like The Ruler would create the David vs Goliath dynamic WWE often leans on. Both men are young, hungry stars looking for their first path to a world title, so they are bound to have issues eventually. With both men currently working as babyfaces, this feud could be built on mutual respect rather than animosity.
6. Roman Reigns. Femi likes to call himself The Ruler, and Roman Reigns goes by The Tribal Chief. At some point, these two need to meet and determine who really rules over WWE.
7. Solo Sikoa. Sikoa would already be a great choice to feud with Femi on his own, but having The MFTs behind him would give their storyline more longevity. It would not just be Sikoa trying to take down The Ruler. Tama and Talla Tonga would also be going after Femi, which would give him the chance to fight three very different wrestlers. Talla is a giant, Sikoa is a powerhouse brawler, and Tama is more versatile. Each one would give Femi a completely different kind of matchup. Beating one guy is fine, but besting three men would be even better. With Sikoa and Femi still being so early in their careers, this is the kind of story WWE could go back to many times over the next several years.

Those seven directions cover the matchup ideas outlined for Femi's next stretch on Raw and SmackDown after his WrestleMania 42 breakthrough. McIntyre's return timeline, Orton's limited schedule, Punk's verbal edge, Keys' parallel rise, Hayes' speed vs power contrast, the branding clash with Reigns, and a multi man angle with Sikoa and The MFTs each point to a different kind of program WWE could run while Lesnar sits on the back burner.