The Art of the Feud: Why WWE’s Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi Saga Is More Than Just Wrestling
Let’s talk about storytelling—not the kind you find in books, but the kind that unfolds in the squared circle. WWE’s recent creative decisions surrounding Brock Lesnar and Oba Femi have sparked debates, and personally, I think this feud is a masterclass in long-term narrative strategy, even if it’s not without its flaws.
The Rise and Fall (and Rise Again?) of Oba Femi
What makes this particularly fascinating is how WWE is handling Femi’s ascent. At WrestleMania 42, he wasn’t just beating Brock Lesnar; he was deposing him. It felt like the passing of the torch, a moment that could define a career. But then came Clash in Italy, where Lesnar returned the favor. From my perspective, this wasn’t just a rematch—it was a reset button.
Here’s where it gets interesting: Dave Meltzer suggests WWE is planning a three-match series, with Femi ultimately emerging victorious. On paper, it’s classic booking: one win each, then a decisive finale. But what many people don’t realize is that this structure isn’t just about wins and losses; it’s about building Femi’s character. By giving him a loss now, WWE is humanizing him, making his eventual triumph feel more earned.
That said, I can’t help but wonder if this was the right move. Meltzer’s critique hits home: Femi’s first loss could have been saved for a bigger moment, perhaps when he challenges for the World Title. Instead, WWE risked diluting his aura of invincibility. If you take a step back and think about it, this loss could either be a minor setback or a misstep that lingers.
Brock Lesnar: The Unlikely Mentor
One thing that immediately stands out is Lesnar’s role in this feud. He’s not just the veteran; he’s the measuring stick. WWE is using him to elevate Femi, but it’s a delicate balance. Lesnar’s loss at WrestleMania felt like a retirement send-off, yet here he is, back in the ring. This raises a deeper question: Is Lesnar’s presence helping or hindering Femi’s growth?
In my opinion, Lesnar’s involvement adds legitimacy to Femi’s rise. Beating Lesnar—even once—is a career-defining moment. But WWE’s decision to have Lesnar win the rematch feels like a missed opportunity. A detail that I find especially interesting is how this mirrors Lesnar’s feud with Cody Rhodes a few years back. It’s almost as if WWE is recycling a playbook, which makes me wonder: Are they running out of fresh ideas, or is this a deliberate strategy to create consistency?
The Psychology of Loss: Why It Matters
What this really suggests is that WWE understands the psychology of its audience. A loss, when handled correctly, can make a wrestler more relatable. Femi’s defeat at Clash in Italy wasn’t just a physical
