WWE Champion Oba Femi Inspires Alabama Football Ahead of Season Opener
WWE star Oba Femi, a former Alabama track athlete, spoke to the Crimson Tide football team on Tuesday. Femi won multiple SEC shot put titles during his college career before rising in WWE. He is scheduled to face Bron Breakker at Sunday Night's Main Event on Sept. 6, a day before Alabama's opener against East Carolina.
Femi’s visit comes as Alabama prepares for its Sept. 6 opener against East Carolina, with kickoff set for noon ET. His track career at Alabama included SEC indoor and outdoor shot put titles in 2021 and another indoor title in 2022, before he graduated with a visual arts degree. Since debuting on WWE’s main roster in December, Femi has tied for most eliminations at the Royal Rumble and defeated Brock Lesnar twice, with only a single loss to Lesnar in May. He now faces Bron Breakker at Sunday Night’s Main Event in Atlanta on Sept. 6, one day before the Crimson Tide’s season opener.
The timing of Femi’s speech underscores his rising profile, as he balances a WWE feud with Breakker while returning to his college roots. His athletic background—transferring from Middle Tennessee State and excelling in throwing events—mirrors the discipline Alabama’s football team aims to channel under coach Kalen DeBoer. The visit also highlights the crossover between college athletics and professional entertainment, with Femi serving as a recent example of a multi-sport path.
This story may resonate with college sports fans and WWE audiences alike, bridging two entertainment spheres. Femi’s motivational talk could reinforce the value of athletic versatility and perseverance, potentially inspiring young athletes who follow both football and wrestling. The proximity of his WWE match to Alabama’s opener may also boost cross-promotional interest, though its broader societal impact remains limited to fan engagement and morale.