The WWE universe has witnessed its fair share of factions, alliances, and power struggles, but few groups have left as lasting an impact as Nexus, the faction led by Wade Barrett that stormed the WWE scene in 2010. As the years have passed, the group’s history has been dissected and reexamined by fans and analysts alike, with many still wondering what could have been if creative decisions had unfolded differently. One member of Nexus who has often spoken about the group’s legacy is David Otunga, a key figure in the faction’s early days. We spoke to Otunga about his time in Nexus, the circumstances surrounding the group’s eventual disbandment, and what he thinks could have been done to prevent its demise.
The Birth of a Revolution
Nexus burst onto the scene in the summer of 2010, with Wade Barrett emerging victorious in the inaugural season of NXT. As Barrett’s protégé, Otunga was an integral part of the faction’s early success, often appearing alongside Barrett and Michael McGillicutty in a formidable trio. Otunga’s time in Nexus was marked by a series of high-profile victories, as the group sought to challenge the established order in the WWE.
“Looking back, it’s amazing to think about how quickly Nexus became a force to be reckoned with,” Otunga said. “We were a group of young, hungry wrestlers who were determined to make a name for ourselves in the WWE. Wade was an incredible leader, and I think we all fed off his energy and passion.”
However, as time went on, the group’s dynamics began to shift. The introduction of new members, including CM Punk and Kofi Kingston, altered the faction’s power structure and created tension within the group. According to Otunga, a lack of clear direction from WWE management only exacerbated these issues.
The Creative Conundrum
The creative decisions behind Nexus were always shrouded in mystery, with the group’s members often finding themselves in the dark about what was expected of them. Otunga claims that he and his fellow Nexus members were never fully briefed on the long-term plans for the faction, leaving them to improvise and adapt to the circumstances.
“A lot of the time, we were just reacting to what was happening on the fly,” Otunga said. “We didn’t always know what was going to happen next, or what was expected of us in terms of our roles in the faction. It was a bit like being thrown into the deep end and having to learn how to swim.”
As the weeks turned into months, the creative direction for Nexus began to falter. The group’s initial momentum began to dissipate, and the faction’s internal conflicts came to a head. The writing was on the wall for Nexus, and Otunga admits that he and his fellow members knew that their time together was limited.
The Birth of the New Nexus
In a surprise move, CM Punk turned heel and reformed Nexus in 2011, introducing a number of new members, including Mason Ryan and Justin Gabriel. Otunga, who had left the faction several months earlier, was not involved in this new iteration of Nexus. However, he claims that he was always open to the idea of revisiting his Nexus roots, should the circumstances have been right.
“I think there’s a lot to be said for the idea of revisiting a character or a storyline that resonated with people in the past,” Otunga said. “If the right opportunity had come along, I’m sure I would have been interested in revisiting my Nexus character. However, it’s not always easy to pick up where you left off, and I think that’s something that the WWE has struggled with in the past.”
A Legacy Remembered
Despite the faction’s eventual demise, Nexus left an indelible mark on the WWE universe. The group’s brand of brutal, hard-hitting wrestling resonated with fans, and their presence helped to pave the way for future factions, such as The Shield and The Wyatt Family.
“Looking back, I think Nexus was a group that really captured the imagination of the WWE audience,” Otunga said. “We were a group of outsiders who were determined to challenge the established order, and I think that resonated with a lot of people. Even though the group didn’t last as long as we would have liked, I think we left a lasting impact on the WWE.”
According to a WWE insider, the legacy of Nexus continues to be felt in the WWE today, with many current factions drawing inspiration from the group’s innovative style and rebellious spirit.
“The WWE has always been a place where wrestlers can push boundaries and challenge the status quo,” the insider said. “Nexus was a group that embodied that spirit, and I think their influence can still be seen in many of the factions that are active in the WWE today.”
As the years have passed, the WWE universe has continued to evolve, with new factions and alliances emerging all the time. However, for fans of Nexus and David Otunga, the memory of that groundbreaking faction will always be remembered as a pivotal moment in WWE history.