WWE WrestleMania 42: Oba Femi’s Shocking Victory and Brock Lesnar’s Retirement Announcement

WrestleMania 42 delivered one of the most talked-about moments in recent WWE history when rising star Oba Femi defeated Brock Lesnar in a hard-fought main event, prompting “The Beast Incarnate” to announce his retirement — at least for now. The match, held on April 2, 2023, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, marked a pivotal shift in WWE’s landscape, blending athletic dominance with emotional storytelling. As Lesnar stepped away from the ring, Femi’s victory signaled the arrival of a new generation poised to carry the torch forward.

The Match: Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar

Heading into WrestleMania 42, Brock Lesnar was the overwhelming favorite. A former UFC Heavyweight Champion and multiple-time WWE Universal Champion, Lesnar had rebuilt his reputation as an unstoppable force, most recently ending Roman Reigns’ historic title reign at Crown Jewel 2022. His opponent, Oba Femi, had steadily climbed the ranks through impressive performances in NXT and on the main roster, known for his technical precision and relentless work ethic.

The bout began with Lesnar using his signature power to dominate early, hitting multiple German suplexes and threatening an F-5. However, Femi weathered the storm, countering with sharp strikes and a series of running knees that began to wear down the veteran. Midway through the match, Femi locked in a modified triangle choke, forcing Lesnar to the ropes and shifting momentum decisively.

In the climax, after escaping a second F-5 attempt, Femi hit a spinning heel kick followed by his finishing move, the Oba Blast — a running knee strike to the face. He covered Lesnar for the three-count, securing the pinfall victory at 22:17. As the referee raised Femi’s hand, Lesnar slowly sat up, looked across the ring, and grabbed a microphone.

“I’ve given everything I have to this business,” Lesnar said, his voice unusually subdued. “But tonight, I realized it’s time to step away. I’m retiring — effective immediately. Thank you, WWE Universe.” He then exited the ring, leaving Femi standing alone amid a mixed but respectful reaction from the crowd.

Context and Significance

Lesnar’s retirement announcement sent shockwaves through the wrestling world. While he has taken hiatuses before — most notably after WrestleMania 36 in 2020 — this statement carried a tone of finality not seen in previous departures. At 45 years vintage, Lesnar cited the physical toll of competing at the highest level and a desire to focus on his life outside the ring, including his ranch in Saskatchewan and time with his family.

According to WWE’s official WrestleMania 42 results page, the match was billed as “The End of an Era,” a narrative WWE leaned into heavily during the buildup. Commentary teams highlighted the generational contrast: Lesnar, a relic of the Attitude and Ruthless Aggression eras, versus Femi, representative of WWE’s current emphasis on in-ring athleticism and global talent development.

The victory marked Femi’s first major pay-per-view win over a top-tier main-eventer and positioned him as a credible future world champion. Prior to WrestleMania, Femi had won the NXT Championship in December 2022 and successfully defended it against notable challengers like Bron Breakker and Carmelo Hayes. His win over Lesnar added a significant milestone to his résumé, validating his ascent on the main roster.

Reactions from the Wrestling Community

The moment sparked immediate reactions across social media and wrestling news outlets. Fellow WWE stars took to Twitter to acknowledge Lesnar’s career and welcome Femi’s rise.

“Respect to The Beast. You’ve earned every moment. Oba — the future is yours.”
— John Cena (@JohnCena)

“One of the most impressive performances I’ve seen in years. Oba Femi didn’t just win — he made us believe.”
— Seth Rollins (@SethRollins)

Analysts praised the storytelling. Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Newsletter noted that while Lesnar’s retirement may not be permanent, the moment succeeded in elevating Femi without diminishing Lesnar’s legacy. “They protected both men,” Meltzer wrote. “Lesnar looked strong in defeat, and Femi won clean — no shortcuts, no controversy.”

What’s Next for Oba Femi and Brock Lesnar?

Following WrestleMania 42, Oba Femi continued his momentum on Raw, where he issued an open challenge for the United States Championship. He has since been positioned as a top contender in the mid-card scene, with many expecting a future world title run.

As for Brock Lesnar, while his retirement announcement appeared genuine, WWE history suggests a return is always possible. Lesnar previously retired after WrestleMania 29 in 2013, only to return eight months later to challenge for the WWE Championship. His contract status remains undisclosed, but industry insiders speculate he may pursue limited appearances or focus on external ventures.

For now, WWE has shifted focus to its next generation of stars, with WrestleMania 42 serving as a symbolic passing of the torch. Whether Lesnar’s retirement stands or proves temporary, the night will be remembered as the moment Oba Femi announced himself not just as a winner — but as a standard-bearer for WWE’s future.

Key Takeaways

• Oba Femi defeated Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 42 via pinfall after hitting the Oba Blast.
• Lesnar announced his retirement from in-ring competition immediately following the match.
• The victory marked Femi’s first major win over a top-tier main-eventer and solidified his status as a rising star.
• Lesnar, 45, cited physical toll and personal priorities as reasons for stepping away.
• The match was widely praised for protecting both competitors while advancing a meaningful narrative shift.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Brock Lesnar’s retirement at WrestleMania 42 real?

While Lesnar has retired before only to return, his announcement at WrestleMania 42 appeared sincere, emphasizing his age, physical condition, and desire to focus on life outside wrestling. No official return date has been set.

What is Oba Femi’s finishing move?

Oba Femi’s signature maneuver is the Oba Blast, a running knee strike delivered to an opponent’s face, often following a setup move or counter.

Has Oba Femi won any championships in WWE?

Yes. Prior to WrestleMania 42, Femi held the NXT Championship, which he won in December 2022 and defended multiple times before transitioning to full-time main-roster competition.

Where was WrestleMania 42 held?

WrestleMania 42 took place on April 2, 2023, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

Will Brock Lesnar return to WWE?

While nothing is certain, Lesnar’s history of hiatuses and returns makes a future comeback possible. However, as of now, he has not indicated any plans to resume in-ring competition.