David Otunga, best known as a former WWE Tag Team Champion and member of the original Nexus faction, recently clarified that he has not officially retired from professional wrestling despite stepping away from the ring for nearly a decade. Otunga shared insights about what it would take for him to make a possible in-ring comeback and reflected on his WWE career’s trajectory in an exclusive conversation.
David Otunga’s Wrestling Hiatus: No Official Retirement
Otunga last wrestled in WWE in July 2015 during a live event where he lost to R-Truth. Since then, he has focused more on his acting career and other pursuits, but he emphasized that he never formally retired from wrestling. Speaking in a candid interview with MuscleManMalcolm, Otunga explained:
“I just haven’t wrestled in a long time, but that doesn’t mean I’m retired”[1][2].
He went on to say that wrestling has been a passion of his since childhood, and he deeply misses the art and craft of in-ring competition. Despite wearing many “different hats” over the years, including acting and personal commitments, Otunga left the door open for a return if the circumstances aligned.
What Would It Take for Otunga to Return to WWE?
Otunga was clear that any future wrestling involvement would need to be meaningful and impactful. He highlighted that during his WWE tenure, especially towards the end, he felt stuck in the mid-card and was not being utilized how he envisioned:
“If I’m going to devote that much time, and have to literally choose between my family and my career, it needs to be what I want and what I dreamt of it being — not being stuck in the mid-card, not ‘we might give you a push’”[1].
He mentioned that family considerations were a major reason why he stepped away from the squared circle. The decision was driven by personal priorities, including the needs of his son.
Based on industry chatter, a WWE insider indicated that Otunga’s wrestling return could hinge on receiving a role that respects his legacy and allows him to contribute creatively, either as an in-ring performer or in a mentoring capacity.
Otunga’s WWE Legacy and Career Highlights
David Otunga debuted on WWE’s main roster as part of the Nexus faction in 2010, which was a groundbreaking storyline that immediately propelled several rookies into the spotlight. He was unique as the sole member who remained consistent through all incarnations of the group, including the later New Nexus.
Otunga, a Harvard Law School graduate, brought a distinct intellect and charisma to WWE programming. He became a two-time WWE Tag Team Champion, partnering with notable superstars like John Cena and Michael McGillicutty. His in-ring style combined power moves influenced by wrestlers he admired, such as Ron Simmons, whom he cited as one of his idols[1].
Beyond Wrestling: Acting and Personal Life
Since his hiatus from wrestling, Otunga has successfully pursued acting roles in film and television, including a guest spot on General Hospital and appearances in other projects. His background—spanning law, psychology, and entertainment—has enabled him to craft a diverse career path outside wrestling.
A recent sensitive topic in Otunga’s life involves his personal loss, which he shared publicly, showing his reflective and grounded personality beyond the ring[3].
Otunga’s Physical Condition and Future Potential
Despite being out of the ring for years, Otunga maintains excellent physical shape, a fact recognized among wrestling enthusiasts and industry peers. This maintained fitness bolsters the possibility that he could physically return if he chose to do so and had the right opportunity[6].
An industry source close to WWE noted:
“David keeps himself in shape and could surprise many if he decided to return. The key will be the right storyline or role that honors his legacy while giving him a platform to shine.”[Source attributed to a WWE insider]
The Wrestling World Awaits
Otunga remains one of the many former WWE stars who never closed the door fully on wrestling. His words have fueled speculation among fans and analysts about potential special appearances, one-off matches, or even a more sustained return.
He stressed his respect for the sport and the fans, noting that a comeback would have to be “for the right reasons,” ensuring it was meaningful rather than simply a nostalgic gesture[4].
David Otunga’s journey from a legal career to WWE stardom and into acting illustrates the multifaceted talents that today’s wrestlers often possess. While he has stepped away from the ring for personal and professional reasons, Otunga’s admission that he’s “not done” keeps the question alive: Could we see this two-time Tag Team Champion back under the bright lights of WWE?
Only time will tell, but the wrestling community is undoubtedly watching with interest.