David Otunga

David Otunga

Otunga in 2014
Born David Daniel Otunga
(1980-04-07) April 7, 1980
Elgin, Illinois, United States[1]
Residence Chicago, Illinois,
United States[1]
Alma mater
Occupation
Years active
  • 2007–present (actor)
  • 2009–2015 (wrestler)
  • 2015–present (commentator)
Partner(s) Jennifer Hudson
(2008–present; engaged)
Children 1
Website www.davidotunga.com
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s) David Otunga[2]
Dawson Alexander[3]
Billed height 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)[4]
Billed weight 250 lb (110 kg)[4]
Billed from Hollywood, California[4]
Trained by Tom Prichard[3]
Norman Smiley[3]
Debut 2009[3]
Retired 2015

David Daniel Otunga Sr.[3] (born April 7, 1980) is an American retired professional wrestler, lawyer and actor currently signed with WWE as a color commentator on the SmackDown brand. He is a two-time WWE Tag Team Champion, having one reign each with Michael McGillicutty and John Cena.[5] He was the runner-up on the first season of NXT.[4] Otunga is also an original member of The Nexus and The New Nexus along with Heath Slater, being the only member to become part of every incarnation.

Early life

Otunga was born in Elgin, Illinois, to a Kenyan Luo father, Moses, and a European American mother, Billie, both of whom are educators.[1][6] He is the youngest of three children.[1] Otunga graduated from Larkin High School in 1998, with a perfect 4.0 GPA.[7] Otunga earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Illinois.[7] Following his graduation, he moved to New York City, where he became a laboratory manager in Columbia University's Cognitive Neuroscience Center.[7] He later graduated from Harvard Law School, passing Illinois' bar exam.[1][8] Following his graduation, he joined the Sidley Austin law firm.[1]

Acting career

In 2007, after his niece submitted his audition tape, Otunga was chosen to be a contestant on I Love New York 2 and given the nickname "Punk".[7] He became one of the final three contestants in the competition, before being eliminated on the series' penultimate episode. Otunga has since starred in the 2013 thriller film The Call.[9] Otunga made a guest appearance as himself in the 109th episode of General Hospital.[10]

Professional wrestling career

World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE

Florida Championship Wrestling (2009–2010)

In November 2008, Otunga signed a developmental contract with World Wrestling Entertainment and was assigned to its development territory, Florida Championship Wrestling.[3][11] He made his debut on May 29, 2009,[3] under the ring name Dawson Alexander, in a six-man tag team match. Otunga teamed with Barry Allen and Jon Cutler to defeat Abraham Saddam Washington, Derrick Bateman and Camacho.

The original NXT (2010)

On February 16, 2010, after numerous dark matches on both Raw and SmackDown, it was announced that Otunga would wrestle on the first season of NXT under his real name, with R-Truth as his storyline mentor.[2] He made his debut on the inaugural episode of NXT on February 23, quickly defeating Darren Young.[12] Young defeated Otunga in a rematch on the following week's broadcast, thanks to interference from Young's mentor, CM Punk. After the match, R-Truth tried to offer his support, only to be shoved away by a frustrated Otunga, resulting in Otunga turning heel. R-Truth took exception, confronting and brawling with Otunga backstage.[13] On the March 30 episode of NXT, Otunga won an 8-man over the top rope battle royal against the other NXT Rookies to earn the right to guest host Raw the following week.[14] On the April 5 episode of Raw, Otunga put himself in a tag team match with John Cena for the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship against ShoMiz (Big Show and The Miz). Later in the match, however, he refused to tag in and walked out, allowing ShoMiz to retain.[15] On May 11, in the second Pros Poll, he was moved to second place.[16] During the season finale on June 1, Otunga came in second place overall in the competition, losing out to Wade Barrett.[17]

The Nexus (2010–2011)

Main article: The Nexus

The following week on Raw, Otunga and the other NXT rookies from season one interfered in the main event match between John Cena and CM Punk, attacking the competitors, the announce team, and ring announcer Justin Roberts, before dismantling the ring area and surrounding equipment.[18] On the June 14 episode of Raw, the rookies attacked General Manager Bret Hart, when he refused to give them contracts.[19] The following week on Raw, Vince McMahon fired Hart and announced the hiring of a new General Manager, who had signed all seven season one NXT rookies to contracts.[20] The following week, the group was named The Nexus.[21] On the July 12 edition of Raw, The Nexus, excluding Daniel Bryan (who was fired by Vince McMahon after the Nexus' first night on Raw in part due to choking ring announcer Justin Roberts with his own tie.), competed in their first match together, defeating John Cena in a six-on-one handicap match.[22] The Nexus continued to feud with Cena and the Raw roster, resulting in a seven-on-seven elimination tag team match at SummerSlam. Otunga was the fourth member of The Nexus eliminated, when he submitted to Chris Jericho, and The Nexus went on to lose the match.[23]

David Otunga as part of The Nexus at Tribute to the Troops in December 2010.

Cena was later forced to join The Nexus, as a result of losing to Barrett at Hell in a Cell.[24] At the following pay-per-view, Bragging Rights on October 24, Otunga and Cena teamed together to win the WWE Tag Team Championship from Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre.[25][26] The next night on Raw Otunga and Cena lost the Tag Team Championship to fellow Nexus members Justin Gabriel and Heath Slater when Barrett ordered Otunga to allow Slater to pin him.[27] On November 5, Otunga, who had been questioning Barrett's leadership in the past weeks, led Nexus, minus Barrett and Cena, to an invasion of SmackDown.[28] Barrett did not approve of Otunga's decision to lead The Nexus to SmackDown and as a result forced him to defend his spot in the group a week later.[29] On the November 12 edition of SmackDown Otunga defeated Edge in a lumberjack match, after Kane interfered, to keep his spot in Nexus.[30] About a month later, Otunga started to rebel against Barrett with the rest of Nexus behind him. After the group disobeyed direct orders and walked away from Barrett, Otunga told Barrett to rehire Cena the following week or be banished from Nexus.[31]

David Otunga on an episode of Raw in early 2011.

In January 2011, Barrett was exiled from Nexus and CM Punk took over his spot as the leader of the group.[32] While Justin Gabriel and Heath Slater chose not to follow Punk's orders and left Nexus, Otunga agreed to take his initiation test, a beating from the Big Show, and remain with the group.[33] In late February, it was announced that Punk would face Randy Orton at WrestleMania XXVII, with each member of The Nexus facing Orton to win the right to accompany Punk to the ring in the weeks leading up to WrestleMania. Otunga faced Orton on the March 7 episode of Raw, but lost. Following the match, he was punted in the skull by Orton.[34] Otunga was absent from television for over a month, returning on the April 11 episode of Raw with the other New Nexus members, and preventing Orton from earning a WWE Championship match.[35][36]

On the May 23 episode of Raw, Otunga teamed with fellow Nexus member Michael McGillicutty to win the WWE Tag Team Championship from Kane and The Big Show with the help interference from fellow New Nexus members Mason Ryan and Punk.[5][37] They made their only successful title defense against The Usos on the July 29 edition of SmackDown.[38] After CM Punk left the New Nexus when his WWE contract expired on July 17, Otunga and McGillicutty competed against Santino Marella and Zack Ryder on the August 1 edition of Raw without any Nexus gear or armbands, and with all Nexus logos removed from their TitanTron, effectively signaling the end of the New Nexus.[39][40] On the August 22 episode of Raw, Otunga and McGillicutty lost the Tag Team Championship to Air Boom (Kofi Kingston and Evan Bourne).[41]

Legal advisor (2011–2015)

After a minor feud with Jerry Lawler, Otunga and McGillicutty's team quietly disbanded. Otunga then started a new storyline, focusing on his law background, as John Laurinaitis advised him to help disgruntled wrestlers plan a lawsuit against Triple H, WWE's chief operating officer. He also started carrying a Starbucks thermos. On the September 30 episode of SmackDown, Otunga and Laurinaitis sat down with Dolph Ziggler, Jack Swagger, Cody Rhodes, Alberto Del Rio, Christian, and Vickie Guerrero to discuss the matter. The following week on Raw, Otunga walked out on Triple H with other wrestlers, Divas, and referees after a "vote of no confidence" for Triple H as General Manager of Raw. He returned to in-ring action on the November 29 SmackDown Holiday Special where he was defeated by Randy Orton in a Miracle on 34th Street Fight match. On the December 23 episode of SmackDown he cancelled a #1 Contender's match between The Big Show and Mark Henry due to the latter's leg injury; he was knocked out by Show as a result. Otunga faced The Big Show on the December 26 episode of Raw and the December 30 episode of SmackDown, but lost both matches.[42][43] He obtained his first win since returning to singles competition on the January 13, 2012, episode of SmackDown, defeating Santino Marella. He captured back-to-back wins against Ezekiel Jackson on the February 20 episode of Raw and the February 21 episode of Super SmackDown.[44][45] On the March 12 episode of Raw, it was announced that Otunga would be the captain of Laurinaitis' team for the battle for control 12-man Tag Team match at WrestleMania. Team Johnny was victorious at WrestleMania XXVIII. On the April 16 edition of Raw SuperShow, Otunga unsuccessfully challenged Santino Marella for the United States Championship.[46] Otunga took leave from WWE television from April 23 to May 14 to be with his fiance, Jennifer Hudson, during the murder trial of William Balfour in Chicago.[47]

At No Way Out, Otunga lost to Brodus Clay via count out. The next night on Raw, Otunga teamed with Big Show and John Laurinaitis in a 3 on 1 handicap match. Before the match started, Big Show walked out on Otunga and Laurinaitis. Otunga walked out as well during the match, because Laurinaitis had refused to tag himself in, allowing John Cena to make Laurinaitis submit. The next week on SmackDown, Otunga delivered a low blow to Brodus Clay as Clay was fighting Big Show. He returned to Raw on August 20 to confront General Manager AJ Lee. He was put into a match against Big Show, which he lost. On September 3, Otunga was seen with Alberto Del Rio, who told Matt Striker that his client (Del Rio) won't talk to him. On the September 7 episode of SmackDown, he represented Alberto Del Rio and Ricardo Rodriguez to win the case to ban Sheamus' finishing move, the Brogue Kick,[48] just as Otunga was facing Sheamus at the night's main event,[49] although the Brogue Kick was later reinstated. He managed Alberto Del Rio at Night of Champions in his match with Sheamus for the World Heavyweight Championship which Del Rio lost, At Survivor Series, Otunga was made a part of Team Ziggler, filling in for the injured Cody Rhodes. He was eliminated by Daniel Bryan. Otunga competed in the 2013 Royal Rumble match entering at #9 but was eliminated by Sheamus. His last singles match was a loss to Ryback. Since then, he has been doing promotional work for WWE backstage. Otunga returned on October 28 when he conducted an interview for WWE.com after Big Show sued WWE and Triple H for defamation, discrimination and wrongful termination of contract.[50]

Otunga returned on April 6, 2014 in the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania XXX and was eliminated by Big E. Otunga did not make any WWE appearances again until he returned to live events on January 9, 2015.[51]

Raw pre-show panellist (2015–2016)

Otunga returned to television on February 2, 2015 doing the RAW Pre-Show. Following this, he offered his legal services to former New Nexus teammate Curtis Axel regarding his Royal Rumble 2015 controversy.[52] Now rarely an in-ring performer, Otunga replaced Alex Riley as one of the hosts of the weekly Raw pre-show on the WWE Network.

Commentator (2016–present)

In June 2016, Otunga left his position on the Raw pre-show panel, where he joined the commentary team alongside Tom Phillips for both Superstars and Main Event. On the June 23 episode of SmackDown, Otunga would temporarily replace Jerry Lawler on the SmackDown commentary team, after Lawler was suspended by WWE.

On July 19, following the 2016 WWE draft, Otunga was announced to join the SmackDown commentary team on a full-time basis, alongside Mauro Ranallo and John "Bradshaw" Layfield where he serves as the babyface color commentator in contrast to JBL's heel color commentary.[53]

Personal life

Seven months after meeting singer and actress Jennifer Hudson, Otunga proposed marriage on Hudson's 27th birthday.[54][55] On August 10, 2009, Hudson gave birth to the couple's first child, a boy named David Daniel Otunga Jr.[56] In April 2012, Otunga fulfilled the dreams of a young Haitian refugee affected by the 2010 Haiti earthquake by bringing him backstage to WrestleMania XXVIII and arranging a meet-and-greet session with all the wrestlers.[57][58]

Filmography

Television

Year Title Role Note
2007 I Love New York 2 Punk
2012 The Tonight Show with Jay Leno Himself
2012–2013 The Wendy Williams Show Himself 2 episodes
2013–2016 The Steve Harvey Show Himself Panelist
2013 The Haves and the Have Nots Officer Mason
2014 Celebrity Ghost Stories Himself
2014 General Hospital Himself

Film

Year Title Role Note
2013 The Call Officer Jake Devans
2016 What Happen Last Night Tiny
2017 Days Like This Lance
2017 Live To Tell Lt. Michael 'Lou' Ortega

In wrestling

Championships and accomplishments

Otunga and McGillicutty as the WWE Tag Team Champions

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Pang, David (2011-03-22). "David the Goliath". Chicago Tribune. p. 1. Retrieved 2011-03-23.
  2. 1 2 Caldwell, James (2010-02-16). "WWE News: Complete cast of the NXT show revealed including The Miz mentoring Bryan Danielson". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2010-02-17.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "David Otunga". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2009-09-28.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "David Otunga Bio". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2010-02-20.
  5. 1 2 3 "History of the WWE Tag Team Championship: David Otunga & Michael McGillicutty". WWE. May 23, 2011. Retrieved May 24, 2011.
  6. ↑ "David Otunga, Chicago, Illinois". Kenyan Jewels. 2009-02-10. Retrieved 2010-07-18.
  7. 1 2 3 4 Pang, David (2011-03-22). "David the Goliath". Chicago Tribune. p. 2. Retrieved 2011-03-23.
  8. ↑ Lat, David (2007-10-12). "He Feels Pretty, Oh So Pretty". Above the Law. Retrieved 2010-02-20.
  9. ↑ http://www.wrestlingnewssource.com/news/27708/WWE-Studios-Changes-Movie-Name-Featuring-David-Otunga/
  10. ↑ "GENERAL HOSPITAL - COMINGS & GOINGS". Soaps.sheknows.com. July 18, 2014. Retrieved July 30, 2014.
  11. ↑ Lat, David (2008-11-01). "Musical Chairs: David Otunga to... WWE?". Above the Law. Retrieved 2010-02-20.
  12. ↑ Bishop, Matt (2010-02-23). "WWE NXT: Jericho, Bryan kick off series in style". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2010-02-24.
  13. ↑ Bishop, Matt (2010-03-02). "WWE NXT: Jericho humbles Bryan again". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2010-03-03.
  14. ↑ Bishop, Matt (2010-03-30). "WWE NXT: Bryan laughs first, Otunga laughs last". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2010-10-16.
  15. ↑ Plummer, Dale (2010-04-05). "RAW: Cena's not on the A-List". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2010-04-07.
  16. ↑ Tedesco, Mike (2010-05-12). "WWE NXT Results – 5/11/10". WrestleView. Retrieved 2010-05-12.
  17. ↑ Bishop, Matt (2010-06-01). "WWE NXT: Barrett wins show's first season". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2010-06-02.
  18. ↑ Plummer, Dale (2010-06-08). "RAW: Vote early, vote often; NXT takes over". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2010-06-12.
  19. ↑ Stephens, David (2010-06-14). "Raw Results – 6/14/10". WrestleView. Retrieved 2010-06-22.
  20. ↑ Keller, Wade (2010-06-21). "WWE Raw results 6/21: Keller's report on the fallout from the Fatal 4-Way PPV event, Jericho puts his career on the line". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2010-06-22.
  21. ↑ Keller, Wade (2010-06-28). "WWE Raw results 6/28: Keller's ongoing report on NXT-McMahon attack fallout, Sheamus-Cena confrontation". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2010-06-29.
  22. ↑ Martin, Adam (2010-07-12). "Raw Results – 7/12/10". WrestleView. Retrieved 2010-07-14.
  23. ↑ Plummer, Dale; Tylwalk, Nick (2010-08-15). "Rumored return helps Team WWE fend off Nexus at SummerSlam". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2010-08-16.
  24. ↑ Hillhouse, Dave (2010-10-04). "Hell in a Cell: Betrayal, fan interference, and flying shoes". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2010-10-26.
  25. 1 2 "History of the WWE Tag Team Championship: John Cena & David Otunga". WWE. 2010-10-24. Retrieved 2010-10-26.
  26. ↑ Sokol, Bryan (2010-10-25). "Cena central to Bragging Rights; Smackdown wins again". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2010-10-26.
  27. ↑ Sokol, Bryan (2010-10-26). "Raw: All the fallout from Bragging Rights". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2010-10-26.
  28. ↑ Hillhouse, Dave (2010-11-06). "Smackdown: Smackdown is "against us," not "Nexus"". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2010-11-08.
  29. ↑ Hillhouse, Dave (2010-11-08). "RAW: Barrett, Nexus celebrate early in the U.K.". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2010-11-13.
  30. ↑ Parks, Greg (2010-11-12). "Parks' WWE SmackDown report 11/12: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Edge vs. Otunga". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2010-11-13.
  31. ↑ Plummer, Dale (2010-12-07). "RAW: Cena pushes Nexus, Barrett to the breaking point". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2011-01-12.
  32. ↑ Plummer, Dale (2011-01-03). "RAW: Nexus under new management". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2011-04-03.
  33. ↑ Plummer, Dale (2011-01-10). "RAW: CM Punk thins out the ranks". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2011-01-12.
  34. ↑ Plummer, Dale (2011-03-07). "RAW: Stone Cold stuns Cole's Wrestlemania plans". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2011-03-22.
  35. ↑ Plummer, Dale (April 11, 2011). "RAW: Edge calls it a career". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved April 12, 2011.
  36. ↑ Tedesco, Mike (April 11, 2011). "Raw Results – 4/11/11". WrestleView. Retrieved April 12, 2011.
  37. ↑ Plummer, Dale (May 23, 2011). "RAW: Cena gets nothing but the R-Truth". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved May 24, 2011.
  38. ↑ Parks, Greg. "PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 7/29: Complete coverage of the Friday night show, including Triple H's State of Smackdown address". PW Torch. Retrieved 29 August 2011.
  39. ↑ Caldwell, James. "CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 8/1: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - Triple H resolves WWE Title situation, battle royal, Ace speaks". PW Torch. Retrieved 29 August 2011.
  40. ↑ Tedesco, Mike. "Raw Results - 8/1/11". Wrestleview. Retrieved 29 August 2011.
  41. ↑ Caldwell, James. "CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 8/22: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - Cena-Punk #1 contender re-match, new tag champions, lies & conspiracies". PW Torch. Retrieved 29 August 2011.
  42. ↑ "WWE RAW 12/26/11".
  43. ↑ "WWE Smackdown Spoilers 12/30/11".
  44. ↑ "WWE Monday Night Raw (2/20/12) Results: Live Blog, Coverage and Analysis".
  45. ↑ "WWE Smackdown 2/21/12".
  46. ↑ "CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 4/16: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of Raw from London - WWE Title match, Extreme Rules hype".
  47. ↑ http://blog.zap2it.com/pop2it/2012/04/david-otunga-by-jennifer-hudsons-side-for-family-murder-trial.html
  48. ↑ Booker T meets with David Otunga over the issue of...
  49. ↑ SmackDown results: The Celtic Warrior prevailed over David Otunga, but GM Booker T banned the Brogue Kick!
  50. ↑ David Otunga weighs in on Big Show's counter-lawsuit: WWE.com Exclusive, Oct. 24, 2013
  51. ↑ "David Otunga returning to WWE at live events this weekend". WrestleView. January 9, 2015.
  52. ↑ Tweet to Axel 8:44 PM - 2 Feb 2015: You have a legitimate case against @WWE @RealCurtisAxel. Give me a call. I'll give you the friends & family discount. #OtungaLaw
  53. ↑ Caldwell, James. "WWE announces new Raw & SD announce teams, Jerry Lawler bumped from main TV". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved July 20, 2016.
  54. ↑ Snead, Elizabeth (2008-09-15). "Jennifer Hudson's new reality: She's engaged to David Otunga". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2010-02-20.
  55. ↑ "Jennifer Hudson Engaged to Boyfriend David Otunga". People. 2008-09-14. Retrieved 2008-09-14.
  56. ↑ Ritti, Missy (2009-08-11). "Jennifer Hudson Welcomes a Son". People. Retrieved 2009-08-11.
  57. ↑ "WWE STAR DAVID OTUNGA Drops Wrestlemania Surprise On Haiti Refugee". TMZ.com. Retrieved 2 April 2012.
  58. ↑ "TMZ - Otunga's WM28 charity for Haiti earthquake survivor". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2 April 2012.
  59. ↑ Trionfo, Richard. "WWE SUPERSTARS REPORT: TAG TEAMS IN THE MAIN EVENT; MAHAL/MCINTYRE; KIDD/OTUNGA; AND TED DIBIASE RETURNS AGAINST JTG". PWInsider. Retrieved September 24, 2012.
  60. 1 2 3 Parks, Greg. "PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 8/5: Complete coverage of the Friday night show, including Orton & Morrison vs. Christian & R-Truth". PW Torch. Retrieved 6 August 2011.
  61. ↑ "We Are One (WWE Version)".
  62. ↑ "Death Blow, Nexus' Theme Song (WWE Version)". YouTube. Retrieved 25 July 2011.
  63. ↑ "All About the Power".
  64. ↑ "Achievement Awards: Feud of the Year". Pro Wrestling Illustrated. 2011-01-10. Retrieved 2011-01-15.
  65. ↑ "Achievement Awards: Most Hated". Pro Wrestling Illustrated. 2011-01-17. Retrieved 2011-01-22.
  66. ↑ "Achievement Awards: Rookie". Pro Wrestling Illustrated. 2011-01-03. Retrieved 2011-01-04.
  67. ↑ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2012". The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved 2012-08-25.
  68. ↑ "WWE News: Full list of 2010 Slammy Awards – 12 announced on Raw, 10 announced on WWE's website". Pro Wrestling Torch. 2010-12-13. Retrieved 2010-01-04.
  69. ↑ "WWE.com Exclusive Slammy Awards 2011".

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