Before CM Punk assumed leadership of The New Nexus, David Otunga was originally set to lead the group following Wade Barrett’s removal. This shift happened less than a year after The Nexus’ debut in WWE, marking a significant change in the faction’s direction, which would eventually launch CM Punk’s path to the WWE Championship. The CM Punk New Nexus Leader story highlights how leadership within the faction evolved during a pivotal period in WWE history.
The True Beginning: David Otunga’s Leadership Role in The New Nexus
David Otunga disclosed on TMZ’s Inside The Ring podcast that he was slated to be the initial leader after Wade Barrett was voted out. Despite their early momentum, Otunga’s plans were abruptly altered when CM Punk was designated as the new head of the faction. Otunga explained that this sudden leadership switch left the group questioning their storyline’s consistency and the reasons behind the change.
“We we were The New Nexus, which I was the leader of. I had high hopes for us and we started turning things around but CM Punk happened to us. I told Wade Barrett on Raw, ‘You’re out, we voted you out,’ basically. And now, going into that, I was going to take over the Nexus. Everybody was excited. Literally, the next week, CM Punk comes out, and he’s our leader now. And so we’re like, ‘Wait, what? Why did we even have this storyline?’ From what I heard, Punk needed a new faction,” Otunga said.
Coming from his time with The Straightedge Society, CM Punk’s entrance as the new leader served as a restart for The New Nexus. This change was pivotal, allowing Punk to refocus his character and ultimately leading him to a landmark victory over John Cena at Money in the Bank, where he captured the WWE Championship.
Wade Barrett’s Reaction to CM Punk’s New Nexus Merchandise
With CM Punk’s WWE return, retro merchandise featuring his New Nexus affiliation became available in the WWE Shop. However, Wade Barrett, the original Nexus leader ousted before this era, publicly expressed his displeasure with the release of these items. Barrett criticized the merchandise team, implying the retro shirts did not respect the faction’s original legacy.
“A NEXUS shirt?! WTF is this BS? And who in the merch dept. is getting a slap this Friday? cc @DMcIntyreWWE,” Barrett tweeted.
This reaction emphasizes lingering tension around the faction’s leadership and identity, especially considering The Nexus remains a memorable faction in WWE lore. Although their debut was impactful, their influence diminished following SummerSlam 2010, leaving fans wondering what might have been if original plans had stayed intact.
The Importance and Legacy of Leadership Changes within The Nexus
The shift from Wade Barrett to David Otunga, followed by the unexpected rise of CM Punk as The New Nexus leader, signifies a major narrative turn in WWE’s storytelling. While Otunga’s leadership was short-lived and overshadowed by Punk’s takeover, this transition allowed CM Punk to redefine the faction and himself, fueling his ascent to the top of WWE.
For CM Punk, leading The New Nexus was not just a change in storyline but a crucial career moment that secured his place as WWE Champion. For the fans and WWE’s broader narrative, the faction’s evolving leadership illustrates the unpredictable nature of wrestling storylines and the impact of creative shifts behind the scenes.
As WWE continues to revisit its past through merchandise and story arcs, the debate over The Nexus’ original and subsequent leaders adds complexity to its legacy, bridging the gap between fan nostalgia and modern talent returns.
