WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross believes Oba Femi has the strongest chance to headline WrestleMania 43 as WWE Champion, ranking him ahead of Bron Breakker and Logan Paul.
Femi’s momentum shifted dramatically after his main roster debut led to a feud with Brock Lesnar. At WrestleMania 42, Femi defeated Lesnar in his first WrestleMania appearance, with ‘The Beast Incarnate’ removing his gloves and boots afterward to signal retirement.
Ross Explains His WrestleMania 43 Pick
Good Ol’ JR discussed the rising stars’ championship potential on the latest Grilling JR Podcast. Ross highlighted Femi’s unique positioning after defeating Lesnar as the key factor in his prediction. Ross sees ‘The Ruler’ as the slight favorite in the championship race.
“He’s got a better shot at it than anybody you and I can probably name right now, because he beat the monster. And he’s unique. His look is unique. He’s very impressive in that regard.
Oba Femi being the champion at next year’s WrestleMania is going to be dependent upon how fast the company can build total confidence in his ability. He’s got to stay reliable. He’s got to work on his game. He ain’t ready. But you got to run with a guy if you’re making that kind of commitment.”
The veteran commentator acknowledged that the Nigerian powerhouse still needs development, but emphasized WWE’s commitment by having him defeat Lesnar. He noted that no one currently on the roster has a significantly better chance at holding the title at WrestleMania 43.
Breakker and Paul Also in Contention
While selecting Femi as his top choice, Ross praised both Breakker and Paul. He called Paul “the best worker of the group” and noted his fundamental soundness often gets overlooked due to his physique.
Ross expressed strong support for Breakker’s potential, citing his athletic background and wrestling lineage.
“Breakker is a, I love his game because he’s a legitimate tough athlete that has the pro wrestling DNA flowing through his veins. If I had to make a pick, Oba is going to be one, and maybe Breakker will be one A. But you damn sure don’t want to pass over on Steiner’s kid.”
Breakker returned at WrestleMania 42 after recovering from hernia surgery for nearly two and a half months. He speared Seth Rollins and cost him his match against Gunther at the Premium Live Event.
Both Femi and Breakker previously competed in NXT before their main roster transitions. Paul took a different path, working feuds with Sami Zayn and The Miz before becoming a full-time WWE performer.