Nigerian-born wrestling sensation Oba Femi made history at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas, defeating the legendary Brock Lesnar in the opening match of Night 2 — a result that prompted one of professional wrestling's most decorated competitors to announce his immediate retirement from WWE.
A Legend Steps Away
The bout lasted fewer than five minutes, with the former shot-put athlete from Nigeria overwhelming the so-called Beast Incarnate with a dominant, physical performance. When it was over, Lesnar removed his gloves and boots in the ring — a time-honoured combat sports gesture signalling the end of a career. The 48-year-old then accepted a final ovation from the Las Vegas crowd, visibly emotional, alongside his long-time manager Paul Heyman, before quietly departing the arena for the last time.
Twenty-Four Years in WWE
The retirement draws the curtain on a career spanning 24 years since Lesnar's main roster debut, and 12 years since his defining WrestleMania moment — the match in which he ended The Undertaker's undefeated streak at the event. That victory had cemented Lesnar's status as one of the most feared figures in sports entertainment. His résumé also includes a reign as UFC Heavyweight Champion, making him one of the most accomplished combat sports athletes of his generation.
Oba Femi's Rise to the Top
The writing had been on the wall since the Royal Rumble in January, where Femi made a powerful statement on his main roster debut. The Nigerian star eliminated five prominent competitors — among them Bron Breakker and Rey Mysterio — before being stopped by Lesnar himself. That early confrontation set the stage for their WrestleMania collision and signalled that WWE was positioning Femi as a future cornerstone of its roster.
Roman Reigns Wins WWE World Championship
Elsewhere on Night 2, the main event delivered its own historic moment as Roman Reigns defeated CM Punk to capture the WWE World Championship, returning to the pinnacle of the company. While that match drew widespread praise for its storytelling and in-ring quality, it was the emotional farewell of Brock Lesnar — and the emergence of Africa's latest global sports star — that is likely to define WrestleMania 42 in the years to come.
