Credit: WWE.com
In the world of WWE faction storylines, The New Nexus stands out as a notable chapter, particularly for the leadership change that shocked many fans. Recent revelations from David Otunga, a key member of the faction, confirmed that CM Punk was not the original choice to lead The New Nexus after its reformation. Instead, Otunga himself was initially slated to take the reins before backstage decisions pivoted dramatically to place CM Punk at the forefront.
Otunga Reveals Initial Leadership Plans for The New Nexus
Speaking on TMZ’s Inside The Ring, David Otunga shed light on the behind-the-scenes changes involving The New Nexus leadership in late 2010. While the group began under Wade Barrett’s command, an internal power shift was on the horizon. Otunga stated, “I told Wade Barrett on Raw, ‘You’re out, we voted you out,’ basically,” highlighting the faction’s internal coup that paved the way for new leadership dynamics.
Originally, the creative plan was for Otunga to assume leadership duties for this iteration of Nexus. However, WWE’s decision to recalibrate the faction’s direction led to CM Punk being inserted as the new leader. This move coincided with WWE’s pivot to capitalize on Punk’s rising popularity and complex persona, aligning well with the rebellious and antagonistic ethos of The New Nexus.
A WWE insider close to the creative team added, “The leadership switch wasn’t just about storyline. Punk’s unique ability to command attention and deliver raw promos pushed WWE to fast-track him as the faction’s frontman.” This change also aligned with Punk’s previous Straight Edge Society character shift and his ongoing feud with John Cena, amplifying The New Nexus’ narrative impact.
The Transition from Wade Barrett to CM Punk
Wade Barrett’s original Nexus faction was the centerpiece of WWE’s 2010 programming, functioning as a disruptive heel group that targeted the entire roster, especially John Cena. However, Barrett’s leadership ended after a steel cage match loss in December 2010, which became the storyline catalyst for his ousting. CM Punk had secured control of the group following this, effectively rebranding it as The New Nexus.
The shift from Barrett to Punk involved scripting backstage politics into the storyline, with Punk betraying Barrett during a crucial #1 contender steel cage match. Afterward, Barrett was “voted out” and exiled, clearing the way for Punk to rebuild the faction with a new vision.
This new leadership led to a purge within the ranks. Members like Gabriel and Slater refused Punk’s harsh initiation rites and eventually left, aligning with Barrett’s new faction The Corre on SmackDown. Those who remained, including Otunga, Harris, and McGillicutty, continued under Punk’s strict command.
Challenges and Ultimate Decline of The New Nexus under Punk
Despite the initial buzz surrounding Punk’s elevation, The New Nexus struggled to maintain the momentum of the original faction. WWE’s creative decisions during this time have been criticized in hindsight for not fully capitalizing on the faction’s potential.
According to wrestling analysts, CM Punk’s in-ring feud with Randy Orton in early 2011 was a central storyline but led to a defeat-filled run for Punk. He suffered losses at WrestleMania 27, multiple RAW matches, and an Extreme Rules bout, which weakened the faction’s credibility. These setbacks, combined with the loss of key members, eroded the stable’s dominant presence.
A backstage source shared, “The creative team struggled with how to keep The New Nexus relevant as a faction. Punk’s individual star potential was rising, but the group cohesion was faltering, leading to less impactful storytelling.”
Eventually, Randy Orton took out the entire faction in a brutal series of punting attacks at the Royal Rumble 2011, leaving Punk isolated and signaling the beginning of the faction’s demise.
CM Punk’s Career Rebound After The New Nexus
Interestingly, while The New Nexus angle is often seen as a failure in faction terms, 2011 marked one of the most successful periods of CM Punk’s WWE career. Following his fallout with The New Nexus, Punk launched into one of the most memorable WWE Championship runs in recent memory, highlighted by his controversial and wildly popular “pipe bomb” promo later that year.
Sources close to WWE creative noted, “The New Nexus storyline may have faltered, but it set the stage for Punk’s breakout. The faction was a stepping stone that led to his rise as a top-tier star and one of WWE’s most compelling characters.”
The Legacy of The New Nexus Leadership Shift
The leadership change from Wade Barrett to CM Punk remains a landmark decision in WWE faction history. Otunga’s revelation adds valuable context, showcasing that WWE’s evolving creative strategy was less predictable than fans might have realized, with major direction shifts occurring behind the scenes.
This backstage shakeup reflects WWE’s constant search for fresh angles and star power a process that sometimes alters initial booking plans to better align with audience reception and wrestler momentum.