“My Church Helped Me Move To America” WWE Star Oba Femi Reveals Emotional Backstory Behind Rise To Stardom

by HEDNEWS on May 14, 2026

“My church helped me move to America” WWE star Oba Femi reveals emotional backstory behind rise to stardom WWE superstar Oba Femi has revealed that a Nigerian church played a crucial role in funding and supporting his move to the United States, offering both financial assistance and spiritual guidance during a key turning point in his journey to becoming a global wrestling star. The Nigerian-born powerhouse, whose real name is Isaac Odugbesan, shared the emotional details during a recent interview, explaining how his relocation abroad was made possible through the support of his church community in Lagos. Oba Femi disclosed that members of Grace Assembly in Lagos came together to raise funds that helped him travel to the United States, where he would eventually transition from athletics into professional wrestling. He credited the church leadership and his spiritual mentor, Pastor Femi Paul, for playing a central role in guiding him through personal and financial challenges during that period. According to him, the church’s intervention came at a time when his future was uncertain, and their support became a turning point that enabled him to pursue opportunities abroad and eventually enter WWE’s development system.Before rising to fame in WWE, Oba Femi was a student-athlete at the University of Lagos UNILAG and a competitive shot put thrower with ambitions in athletics before shifting career paths after moving to the United States. His journey later evolved through WWE’s talent development pipeline, where he rapidly emerged as one of the most dominant performers in NXT, earning a reputation for his strength and intimidating in-ring presence. Femi also spoke about the personal guidance he received from his pastor, noting that spiritual mentorship helped him stay grounded during a period of transition and pressure. He emphasized that the encouragement he received was not only financial but also emotional and moral, shaping his discipline and outlook as he pursued an international career.

Now competing at the highest level in WWE, Oba Femi has become one of the company’s fastest-rising stars, known for his dominance, athletic background, and commanding persona in the ring. His story has drawn attention not only for his rapid success but also for the unusual and community-driven support system that helped launch his journey from Nigeria to the global stage. Fans have reacted strongly to the revelation, seeing it as a reminder of how community support systems including religious institutions can play a transformative role in shaping international success stories. As his WWE career continues to grow, Oba Femi’s journey stands out as a blend of athletic talent, personal resilience, and grassroots support from his home country.