3 WWE Superstars whose momentum was ruined at Clash in Italy

”
], { type: “text/html” }
);
const iframe = document.createElement(“iframe”);
iframe.src = URL.createObjectURL(blob);
iframe.style.cssText = “width:100%;height:100%;border:0;”;
container.appendChild(iframe);
attachIframeMessageListener(iframe);
}
const observer = new IntersectionObserver((entries, obs) => {
const entry = entries[0];
if (entry.isIntersecting) {
obs.unobserve(entry.target);
requestIdleCallback(() => {
initWidget(entry.target);
}, {
timeout: 200
});
}
}, {
root: null,
rootMargin: “300px 0px”,
threshold: 0.01
});
requestIdleCallback(() => {
$all(“.nl-inline-form-container”).forEach((c) => {
observer.observe(c);
});
});
})();

#3. Oba Femi

Oba Femi entered Clash in Italy looking like one of the most dominant forces in WWE. The powerhouse had been presented as unstoppable, capable of overwhelming almost anyone. His combination of size, strength, and agility made him look like a future world champion. Hence, many fans expected him to continue climbing the ladder at the premium live event.

Instead, Femi suffered a crushing defeat to Brock Lesnar. Although losing to a WWE legend isn’t necessarily damaging on paper, the manner in which it happened raised concerns. The Ruler ate multiple F5s throughout the match before eventually staying down for the three-count.

The bout was intended to make Lesnar look dangerous following his devastating loss at WrestleMania 42. However, it may have come at Femi’s expense.

Many fans had viewed the former NXT Champion as a rising star who could eventually become one of WWE’s top attractions. However, having him lose after taking an excessive number of finishers made him look less like an unstoppable monster and more like another obstacle for Brock Lesnar to overcome.

Also, the timing of the loss hurts. Oba Femi had generated significant momentum throughout 2026. He appeared to be on the verge of entering the world championship conversation. Instead, Femi now finds himself needing to rebuild his credibility following one of the biggest defeats of his WWE career.

Fortunately, the company still has time to repair the damage. The Ruler remains one of the most physically gifted performers on the roster. However, Clash in Italy arguably slowed his momentum considerably.

#2. Gunther

Few superstars had more momentum heading into Clash in Italy than Gunther. The Ring General earned an opportunity to challenge Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship. He looked poised to add another world title to his already impressive résumé. Many even believed this was the perfect moment for him to dethrone The American Nightmare.

However, that didn’t happen. Instead, Gunther left the event empty-handed. What makes the loss particularly frustrating is the controversial nature of the finish.

During the closing moments of the match, replay footage showed Gunther’s leg underneath the bottom rope while Rhodes scored the decisive pinfall. According to the WWE rules, that situation should result in a rope break. Hence, stopping the count and preventing a successful pin.

Despite that, the referee counted to three. The controversy has dominated the discussion following the event. Many fans argue that Gunther was robbed of the championship.

Although the company may ultimately use the disputed finish to set up a rematch, the result still halted a tremendous wave of momentum. Gunther had spent months establishing himself as one of WWE’s most credible main-event stars. Another world championship reign seemed inevitable. Instead, he walked away from one of the biggest shows of the year with a loss on his record.

The positive side is that the company protected him by making the finish controversial. However, momentum often relies on perception, and the perception after Clash in Italy is that Gunther missed a golden opportunity to become champion.

Whether WWE revisits the rivalry remains to be seen. However, The Ring General’s immediate momentum undoubtedly took a hit.

#1. Former WWE United States Champion Jacob Fatu

Perhaps no superstar suffered a more damaging setback at Clash in Italy than Jacob Fatu. Heading into the event, Fatu looked destined for greatness.

The Samoan Werewolf had become one of the hottest names in WWE. Perhaps because of his incredible intensity, explosive offense, and connection with the audience. His rise felt inevitable. Hence, many fans believed he had a legitimate chance of dethroning Roman Reigns.

A victory over The Tribal Chief would have instantly elevated Jacob Fatu into the company’s elite tier. Instead, Roman Reigns retained.

Losing to Reigns is not automatically a momentum killer. Numerous top stars have lost to The Tribal Chief and remained relevant afterward. However, Fatu’s situation feels different because of how much anticipation surrounded the match.

This wasn’t just another title defense. For many, it felt like the culmination of Jacob Fatu’s rise. The global juggernaut had spent months positioning him as a dangerous challenger capable of ending Roman Reigns’ dominance. Hence, the match represented the biggest opportunity of his career.

When The Samoan Werewolf failed to capitalize, much of that momentum disappeared. The defeat raises difficult questions about what comes next.

If Fatu couldn’t defeat the OTC after receiving one of the strongest pushes of his WWE career, when will his moment arrive? The global juggernaut now faces the challenge of keeping fans invested in his championship aspirations without making him feel like another failed challenger.