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Nigerians in Wrestling

When we talk wrestling, what comes to mind is the likes of John Cena, Shawn Michael, Triple H, The Undertaker and so on. Although some of these are all stage names, they are clearly not Nigerian.

Some would often confuse us due to their accent and melanin, like Mark Henry, Kofi Kingston, Bobby Lashley, Ron Killings, etc.

You cannot tell me this guy does not look like a Chibuzor

That being said, you might begin to wonder if there are indeed Nigerians in Wrestling. Below are five Nigerian wrestlers in WWE.

Five Nigerians in the WWE

Jordan Omogbehin

Popularly known as “Omos“, Omogbehin is not a new face in wrestling. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, he is a massive presence reaching 7’3”, and ranks third among the tallest-ever WWE superstars.

His introduction to wrestling was a bit dull; he started his career as AJ style’s bodyguard. However, he started gaining recognition due to his size, picking fights with the likes of Big Show and Braun Strowman.

His efforts towards bringing the attention of WWE to Nigerians do not go unnoticed.

See a list of Nigerians in the MMA

Babatunde Aiyegbusi

Nigerians in Wrestling - battabox.com

Babatunde Aiyebusi represents Africa, Nigeria, and Yoruba on a foreign stage by wearing a traditional outfit to stage. His stage name is Commander Azeez.

Babatunde’s introduction to wrestling was also slow but has been able to fight with a number of notable names such as Big E (Mr. Chibuzor up there) and Omos. He has fought alongside Apollo Crews too. Nigerians sticking together. Me likey.

He maintains a very stoic personality but never shies away from a fight.

No wahala

Watch Omos vs. Commander Azeez: Raw, March 14, 2022

Ezekwesiri “EJ” Nduka

Nigerians in Wrestling - battabox.com

Known as Ezra Judge, he joined WWE under their NXT brand. Every wrestler’s dream is to break even in WWE, and his own has come true.

Ezekwesiri was born in Dallas, Texas, but I’m sure our Igbo people can tell us the meaning of his name.

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Sesugh Uhaa

Nigerians in Wrestling - battabox.com

This has to be the most popular face on this list. Sesugh Uhaa, also known as Apollo Crews, is a Nigerian Brother. He is a brilliant prospect in the WWE with brilliant acrobatic skills, an unrelenting personality, and a big warm smile.

Apollo crews represent Nigeria boldly by wearing the flag’s colors in the ring.

Green, White, Green

He is a shining light for Nigerians in the WWE and has warmed the hearts of wrestling fans. However, he now plays an angry personality in wrestling, which is different from the Crews we know. He is consistently drawing attention to Nigerians with conscious efforts alongside Omos.

Ride on brothers.

READ ALSO: Top 5 Countries with the Most Nigerians

Inyenye Umoh

Inyenye Umoh, popularly known as Edris Enofe is a new face in the WWE and is a testimony to the media’s good work to bring WWE’s attention to Nigeria.

He is under the NXT brand and seems like an electrifying personality. He is from the Southern part of Nigeria and knows he has a lot coming for him.

The best part remains how our Countrymen never fail to represent us out there.

He joined after a successful tryout in Las Vegas during the Summerslam period.

These are the top 5 Nigerian Wrestlers in WWE. A notable problem is the absence of female stars.

As of present, though, that doesn’t seem to be a problem, as there is growing recognition in Nigeria towards Nigerian performers and we can expect equal opportunities.

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Why There Are Not Many Nigerians in Wrestling

I started watching wrestling as a young boy and I still do. With that quality of time invested, I pride myself on having enough knowledge to state a few reasons why Nigerians are not so prolific in (WWE).

Below are a few reasons I feel can make Nigerians more successful on the wrestling stage:

Wrestling is more brains than bones

I am in no way saying Nigerians don’t have brains but I clearly remember as a kid practicing Triple H’s Pedigree, John Cena’s Attitude Adjustment, Batista’s Powerbomb, etc. And this was despite the warnings to not try them at home.

I always knew I had coconut head.

It’s safe to say I am not the only one who sustained injuries. WWE wrestlers are more like choreographers who have practiced move after move several times. In the ring, it’s not by power, nor by might. You have to be able to dance through the match, as it is choreography.

You must be a great showman

You are probably like, wetin concern wrestling with showmanship?. Well, wrestling is show business, and every top wrestler that existed was an excellent showman.

Yes, this is just like wrestling

Watch John Cena’s Excellent Mic Skills.

Showmanship has a lot to do with enthusiasm projected towards the crowd, good mic skills, fluency, and excellent acting capability, to name a few. Most wrestlers we remember today are excellent showmen:

  1. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
  2. John Cena
  3. Hulk Hogan
  4. Shawn Michaels
  5. Triple H
  6. Edge
  7. Randy “The Viper” Orton
  8. The Undertaker
  9. Kane
  10. Ric flair etc.

This explains why wrestlers can transition into acting easily.

See WWE wrestlers who became Hollywood superstars.

These two reasons stated above would definitely bolster the race to find the next Nigerian WWE superstar. Stars like Apollo Crews and Omos are making moves to draw the WWE’s attention to Nigeria.

African and Black Wrestlers in WWE who are not Nigerian

There are many wrestlers thought to be Nigerian but are not. Some are African while others are simply Black. But boy! Do they look Nigerian?

Bobby Lashley

Nigerians in Wrestling - battabox.com
Is this not Maduabuchi?

Bobby Lashley is a popular WWE wrestler known for his admirable and fearful physique. He is normally thought to be African but he is American, born in Junction City, Kansas.

All hail the Almighty Bobby Lashley!

So he is definitely not one of the Nigerians in the WWE

Kofi Kingston

Kofi Kingston is an electric personality in WWE. But what if I told you that’s not his real name? Oh yeah! Kofi Nahaje Sarkodie-Mensah is his given name, and he took the name Kofi Kingston as part of his WWE Jamaican persona.

He didn’t have a very rosy start but always amazes the audience with his impressive Royal Rumble displays. It isn’t Royal Rumble if Kofi Kingston doesn’t do something unpredictable. like land on one leg after being tossed out of the ring.

He is Ghanaian.

Booker T

Nigerians in Wrestling - battabox.com

WWE Hall of Famer, Booker T wowed the audience back in his day. His full name is Booker T. Huffman, and he is American.

Mark Henry

It’s impossible to forget the world’s strongest man and his mesmerizing WWE reign. The 163-kg wrestler is an American.

R-Truth

The streets will never forget R-truth in his day. Born Ronny Aaron Killings, his sway over the audience and his ability to switch personalities were top-notch.

Other Black WWE superstars include:

Xavier Woods (American)

Justin Gabriel (South Africa)

Adam Rose (South Africa)

David Daniel Otunga (Kenyan)

Moibi Damilare
Moibi Damilare
Moibi Damilare has a traditional and classical outlook on life. He is often criticised for being critical and one-sided on trending issues which is opposite for such a happy, disciplined and lovely soul.

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