Oba Femi's journey to the King of the Ring (KOTR) title is a testament to the power of perseverance and the potential for fresh, exciting talent in WWE. While the KOTR tournament has a rich history, with 24 unique champions since its inception in 1985, the upcoming final feels like a pivotal moment. Personally, I think this is one of those rare instances where WWE is poised to crown a new 'next big thing,' much like Stone Cold Steve Austin in 1996 or Brock Lesnar in 2002. What makes this particularly fascinating is the opportunity for Oba Femi to not only win the tournament but also to leave an indelible mark on the KOTR legacy. In my opinion, this tournament is more than just a competition; it's a chance for WWE to rediscover the magic of the KOTR and elevate a rising star who deserves the spotlight.
One of the most intriguing developments is the potential replacement of Jey Uso by Jacob Fatu. While Jey Uso had his moment in the sun in 2025, his recent decline in popularity and the perception that he's no longer a viable world champion candidate make his semifinal appearance in the KOTR less compelling. What many people don't realize is that Jacob Fatu, despite his imposing presence, has managed to maintain his unique personality and maintain a connection with Roman Reigns. This balance between raw power and nuanced character development could make Fatu a more enduring and popular champion than Uso. From my perspective, the transition from Uso to Fatu represents a shift in WWE's focus towards fresh, dynamic talent that can captivate audiences and drive the company forward.
Iyo Sky's dominance in the Queen of the Ring (QOTR) tournament is another highlight. Her impressive victories, including the recent defeat of Raquel Rodriguez, showcase her skill and determination. What makes this especially interesting is the contrast between Sky's undeniable talent and WWE's struggle to fully utilize her on weekly television. The question arises: What is the point of having one of the greatest wrestlers on your roster if she barely appears on TV? In my opinion, Sky's underutilization is a missed opportunity for WWE to showcase her brilliance and establish her as a top star. Win or lose in the QOTR finals, Sky deserves more consistent exposure and a prominent role in WWE's programming. Her presence and impact deserve to be felt across the entire year, not just in sporadic appearances.
Je'Von Evans' journey in NXT and his potential on Raw is another compelling story. Evans, the ultimate underdog, has consistently overcome long odds against top names like Ethan Page, Trick Williams, and Oba Femi. What makes this story particularly engaging is the simple yet powerful storytelling premise: the smallest man in the fight can always have the biggest heart. This narrative has not been fully explored on Raw, but it presents an opportunity for Evans to become WWE's biggest underdog once more. By pitting him against formidable opponents like Bron Breakker and Logan Paul, WWE can tap into the emotional investment of fans and build towards significant moments where Evans has a real chance to win. In my view, this is how Evans should be booked: not in random midcard matches against babyface opponents, but in high-stakes, emotionally charged feuds that capture the imagination of the audience.
Finally, Roxanne Perez's situation in the women's division is a call to action for WWE. At just 24 years old, Perez has already established herself as a rising star, but her recent directionlessness and lack of wins raise concerns. What this really suggests is that WWE needs to take a more proactive approach to developing and promoting its top female talent. With the women's division at a critical juncture, Perez has the potential to become a world champion multiple times over the next decade. Wasting time and failing to provide her with consistent wins and credible matches only leaves the division understaffed and underutilized. In my opinion, Perez needs more opportunities to win and to be placed in believable, high-stakes matches that showcase her skills and potential. Unpredictability is key to keeping the women's division engaging and relevant, and right now, there is a lack of unpredictability in Perez's booking.
