David Otunga net worth is estimated to be around $10 million as of 2024. David Otunga is an American actor, lawyer, and former professional wrestler born on April 7, 1980. He gained fame through his career in WWE.
Otunga was the second-place contestant on the inaugural season of NXT. He was also a founding member of The Nexus and The New Nexus and he remained with the group throughout its various forms. During his time with The Nexus, he achieved the WWE Tag Team Championship twice teaming up once with John Cena and once with Michael McGillicutty.
David Otunga in Brief
| Full Name | David Daniel Otunga |
| Date of Birth | April 7, 1980 |
| Place of Birth | Elgin, Illinois, USA |
| Occupation | Actor, Lawyer, Wrestler |
| Height | 6 feet 0 inches (185 cm) |
| Spouse | Jennifer Hudson |
| Children | 1 |
| Net Worth | $10 million |
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What is David Otunga Net Worth in 2024?
David Otunga is an American actor, lawyer, and former professional wrestler with a net worth of $10 Million as of 2024, according to Celebrity Net Worth. The main source of David Otunga’s net worth mainly comes from his career in professional wrestling and acting.
He first gained fame as a wrestler in WWE, where he was known for his performances in the ring. Besides wrestling, Otunga has also appeared in various TV shows and movies, adding to his earnings.
Additionally, he has worked as a legal analyst and made appearances on talk shows, which have contributed to his wealth. His diverse career in entertainment and his work in the legal field are the main sources of his net worth.
David Otunga’s Early Life and Education
David Otunga was born in Elgin Illinois. His father Moses is Kenyan and his mother Billie is European American and both are teachers. He’s the youngest of three siblings. Otunga finished high school at Larkin High School and then got a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Illinois.
After college, he moved to New York City and worked as a laboratory manager at Columbia University’s Cognitive Neuroscience Center. Later in 2006 he graduated from Harvard Law School and passed the bar exam in Illinois. Otunga then worked at Sidley Austin one of the largest law firms in the U.S. from May 2005 to October 2007.
David Otunga’s Acting Career
In 2007, David Otunga got his big break when his niece sent in an audition tape for him. He was selected to be on the reality show I Love New York 2 where he was nicknamed “Punk”. Although he didn’t win he made it to the final three contestants before being eliminated near the end of the series. Since then he’s appeared in the 2013 thriller film The Call and had a guest role as himself on General Hospital.
Professional wrestling career
World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
FCW
In November 2008, Otunga signed a contract with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and started training in their development program Florida Championship Wrestling. He made his wrestling debut on May 29, 2009, under the name Dawson Alexander in a team match.
NXT
By February 2010, David Otunga moved up to WWE’s main shows Raw and SmackDown wrestling under his real name. He joined the first season of NXT with R-Truth as his mentor. Although he initially won matches he turned against R-Truth and became a villain. Otunga’s NXT journey included winning a battle royal and getting the chance to host Raw. His time in NXT ended with him finishing as the runner-up in the competition.
After NXT, Otunga and other rookies from the show formed a group called The Nexus causing chaos on WWE shows by attacking wrestlers and officials. The group had a significant feud with John Cena and other WWE stars leading to memorable matches and moments. Otunga later joined a faction called the New Nexus where he won the WWE Tag Team Championship with Michael McGillicutty.
The Nexus
Otunga’s career in WWE saw him involved in various storylines and tag team matches before his run with the Nexus factions came to an end. His time in WWE showcased his skills as both a wrestler and a character in the world of professional wrestling.
After a small disagreement with Jerry Lawler Otunga and McGillicutty’s team split up quietly. Otunga then began a new storyline focused on his background in law. John Laurinaitis advised him to help wrestlers who were unhappy with Triple H WWE’s chief operating officer by planning a lawsuit against him. During this time Otunga started carrying a Starbucks thermos.
On the September 30 episode of SmackDown, David Otunga and Laurinaitis met with several wrestlers to discuss their grievances including Dolph Ziggler, Jack Swagger, and others. The following week on Raw Otunga joined other wrestlers Divas and referees in walking out on Triple H expressing a lack of confidence in him as Raw’s general manager.
Legal advisor
Otunga returned to wrestling action on November 29 losing to Randy Orton in a special match. Later on, he canceled a championship contender’s match due to an injury that led to a confrontation with The Big Show. Despite facing The Big Show twice and losing both matches Otunga managed to secure his first victory since returning on January 13, 2012, against Santino Marella. He continued to win matches against other opponents.
At WrestleMania Otunga captained a team led by Laurinaitis which won their match. He later challenged unsuccessfully for the United States Championship and took a break from WWE to support Jennifer Hudson during a personal trial.
Returning to action, David Otunga faced challenges in various matches including a loss to Brodus Clay and a failed team-up with Big Show. He later aligned with Alberto Del Rio to ban Sheamus’ finishing move though it was eventually reinstated. Otunga continued his role managing Del Rio in championship matches but faced setbacks in personal matches including losses to Ryback and others.
Non-wrestling roles
Transitioning out of active wrestling Otunga began appearing on WWE television in non-wrestling roles and returned sporadically for special events like WrestleMania. He also took up commentary duties on Raw and SmackDown contributing as an analyst and host on WWE Network shows.
In recent years, David Otunga has balanced his WWE involvement with pursuits outside of wrestling including acting and other projects.
David Otunga’s Personal Life
Seven months after they first met David Otunga asked Jennifer Hudson to marry him on her 27th birthday in 2008. Their son David Daniel Otunga Jr. was born on August 10, 2009. In November 2017 Otunga and Hudson separated after months of being in the process of splitting up.
