A former WWE tag team partner of John Cena has revealed he is open to a return to wrestling if the terms are right. David Otunga, who once teamed with Cena in WWE’s Nexus faction, discussed potential comeback conditions amid speculation about John Cena WWE return conditions.
David Otunga Open to WWE Comeback Under Specific Terms
John Cena is widely known for his legendary singles career in WWE, having won a record 17 WWE World Titles and held the United States Championship five times. While his singles accomplishments dominate his legacy, Cena also captured multiple Tag Team Championships with various partners. Notably, he held tag titles with Hall of Fame members Shawn Michaels, Batista, and The Miz. However, the fourth wrestler he teamed with to win tag gold, David Otunga, has not reached Hall of Fame status.
Otunga, who worked for WWE from 2008 to 2015 and later served as an announcer until 2019, addressed the possibility of returning to the active wrestling roster on Inside the Ring. He emphasized his physical readiness and hinted that financial and storyline elements would heavily influence his decision.
“I haven’t had any injuries, thankfully. But yeah, that’s something I would do if the storyline was right… price was right. Price is right, right, right, right. Yeah. That’s definitely something. Enough zeros on the paycheck. Hopefully next year or so maybe. Yeah. You never know. Hey, if somebody offers me…”
— David Otunga, Former WWE Wrestler and Announcer
Though Otunga is not typically top of mind for WWE fans when discussing potential returns, his remarks suggest he remains interested if the offer is compelling enough, highlighting the unpredictable nature of WWE comebacks.
Otunga’s Continued Resentment Over Nexus Storyline Decisions
Otunga also voiced frustration about how The Nexus faction was handled, particularly their loss in the high-profile 7-on-7 SummerSlam 2010 match against John Cena’s team. According to Otunga, Cena pushed for his team to win, which ultimately undercut The Nexus’s momentum during their peak.
“We were the hottest thing running, and they knew that, and then it was so bad. The SummerSlam thing, that was a disaster. We should have won that. That completely cut the legs out from under us. Everybody agreed, but one person – John Cena.”
— David Otunga, Former WWE Wrestler and Announcer
Otunga strongly believes this booking decision derailed The Nexus’s rise as a dominant faction. Looking ahead to Cena’s planned retirement at the end of 2025, Otunga suggested a dramatic Nexus return to settle scores.
“I think it’s a travesty if he retires without the Nexus coming back to whoop his ass. I think that’s what should happen. All of a sudden, who’s coming through the crowd? Who pops up on the ring? Boom, it’s payback. Here’s your receipt. Our receipt.”
— David Otunga, Former WWE Wrestler and Announcer
While Otunga’s vision for a Nexus reappearance is bold, it remains uncertain whether WWE will pursue that direction as John Cena’s retirement tour progresses.
Other Developments Within WWE and Wrestling World
Outside of Otunga’s comments, recent wrestling news reveals significant shifts across WWE and rival promotions. Notably, an NXT star recently won a major title outside WWE by defeating Blake Monroe on August 26. Meanwhile, Jade Cargill sustained a severe injury during a main event SmackDown match, drawing concern from fans.
Former WWE superstars have also made headlines. One ex-champion unexpectedly vacated a TNA Championship, paving the way for an NXT wrestler to claim the title. On the AEW front, Bryan Danielson has smoothly transitioned into a commentary role after an acclaimed wrestling career. However, some ex-WWE stars expressed dissatisfaction over missing out on a John Cena match during his retirement run.
In other insider revelations, new details from Vince McMahon’s 80th birthday party have surfaced, hinting at further upcoming news. Additionally, criticism emerged regarding Stephanie McMahon’s suitability for WWE Hall of Fame honors, reflecting ongoing debates about WWE’s legacy decisions.
The Significance of Otunga’s Statements for WWE’s Future
David Otunga’s openness to returning underlines the unpredictable and often chaotic environment surrounding John Cena WWE return conditions. His willingness depends on substantial payment and a storyline that justifies his comeback, emphasizing the business side of professional wrestling amid fan expectations.
Moreover, Otunga’s vocal dissatisfaction with past booking involving Cena introduces possible creative storylines that WWE could explore as Cena nears retirement. Whether The Nexus returns as he envisions remains speculative, but it adds an anxious layer to Cena’s farewell tour narrative.
Ultimately, Otunga’s remarks highlight WWE’s turbulent backstage dynamics, the complex relationships between wrestlers and management, and the intense anticipation surrounding one of wrestling’s biggest names as he approaches the end of his in-ring career.
