Long before he was crushing opponents on the global stage, the man now known as Oba Femi was a young athlete at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) with a massive frame and an uncertain future. In a poignant departure from his “unstoppable force” persona, the WWE powerhouse has revealed that his path to superstardom was paved not by a talent scout, but by the congregants of a Nigerian church.
Sitting down with Stephanie McMahon on the What’s Your Story? podcast, the 6’6” sensation—born Isaac Odugbesan—lifted the lid on the grassroots mobilization that financed his “American Dream.”
Femi credited Grace Assembly in Lagos and his spiritual mentor, Pastor Femi Paul, for providing the essential financial and emotional bedrock needed to relocate to the United States. While many athletes rely on corporate sponsorships, Femi’s journey was underwritten by the collective faith of his local community.
“My entire church community came together to raise money when I was coming over to the States. Shout out to Grace Assembly,” Femi revealed.
Beyond the financial backing, Femi highlighted Pastor Paul’s role as a mediator during periods of domestic friction, noting that the leader stepped in to guide him when tensions rose with his father.
Despite his meteoric rise in the industry—marked most notably by a landmark victory over Brock Lesnar—Femi insists that the values instilled in him in Lagos remain his “North Star.”
Wrestling analysts are currently calling Femi’s run an “unstoppable rampage.” With a string of decisive wins on the WWE main roster, he has solidified his status as a premier force through a blend of brute strength and tactical precision.
However, these recent revelations add a layer of depth to the “Powerhouse” brand. While he may stand alone in the squared circle, Oba Femi carries the tangible hopes and investments of Grace Assembly with every strike. He remains a living testament to the power of community, proving that the road to the championship belt can sometimes begin in the pews of a local church.
