Every Current Champion In WWE (And Who Should Beat Them)

12. NXT Title

CM Punk Seth Rollins
WWE.com

Champion: Oba Femi

Who Should Beat Him: Joe Hendry

Oba Femi is a beast, man. The dude should, by all rights, go on to be a killer addition to the lineups on Raw or SmackDown in the future. In some respects, he's similar to ex-NXT kingpin Bron Breakker. A physical marvel, Oba has had the top NXT belt in a headlock since January, and it wouldn't be a huge shock if he kept that going until at least the end of 2025.

Wonder if he believes in Joe Hendry?

Oh yes, the viral, earworm-creating Scot is this list's pick to become the next main man on WWE's third brand. Hendry is still signed to a TNA contract, but it's inevitable that he eventually makes his way to the big time and puts pen to paper on an official WWE deal. The market leader doesn't let just anyone compete in the Royal Rumble and then work as a sub for Kevin Owens vs. Randy Orton at WrestleMania, let's be honest. They're high on Hendry.

HBK is reportedly a huge fan of him, and that bodes well for the Scottish star once he comes into WWE full time. At 37, Hendry has entered the prime of his wrestling career. This is the best version longtime fans have ever seen of the charismatic social media savant, and it'd be cool to see him become a mainstay on NXT in 2026.

Replacing Femi (who'd, you guessed it, move up to Raw or SmackDown as a result) as NXT Champion just makes all the sense in the world. Hendry has the look, promo skills, professionalism/media presence and in-ring chops to make the most of that opportunity at this stage in his career.

Contributor

Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.