Oba Femi has been praised for being a throwback to a different era, working more as a traditional big man and utilizing his size and strength.
Femi has had a meteoric rise in NXT, dominating as the NXT North American Champion and now reigning as the NXT Champion.
Speaking on the Masked Man Show with David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide, Femi was asked who he's been working with in NXT.
"Rubbed off on me the most, I would say coach (Matt) Bloom because he's the most direct access that I have. He is also a fellow big man and worked the big man style, so he's passed on so much knowledge in that field. I've worked with Ivar a lot. I had the privilege of wrestling Ivar also, which is one of my better matches. Ivar comes around and gets in the ring with us. We helped him get ready for his return since he was out for some months. Of course, Shawn (Michaels), the big boss. Those are the ones who have played a part in my development," said Femi.
Asked about Ivar teaching a big man class at the WWE Performance Center, Femi replied, "Ivar is phenomenal. He's a great teacher. Him not working big man, doesn't mean he's never worked big man. As we know, Ivar is a big man. His current appeal is that he is a big man with athleticism. In the past, in his 20 years in wrestling, he's definitely worked big man. Even though he might not have worked it as much, his infinite knowledge is enough to teach us younger guys. He is great. He comes in, gets in the ring with us, coaches us and watches us wrestle. There are certain ways a big man would sell and moves a big man wouldn't do. A big man doesn't arm drag anyone. No big man is doing a hurricanrana. Just reinforcing those good big man habits to sell strong and stay on your feet. It's a lot of work. Sometimes, when you take certain moves, you have to come right back up because that is the style. No matter how winded you are, you have to get up, that's the big man way. Ivar has so much knowledge and experience. I am lucky to be under his learning tree."
Femi faced Ivar at NXT Spring Breakin' 2024.
Elsewhere during the interview, Femi commented on the current era of NXT. You can find his full comments by clicking here.
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