What is David Otunga’s Net Worth and Salary?
David Otunga, a former American professional wrestler, lawyer, and actor, has a net worth of $10 million. He began his career as a professional wrestler and later became a color commentator and a panelist for the WWE. He was known for his association with organizations such as The Nexus and The New Nexus, and he earned two WWE Tag Team Championship titles during his wrestling career. Additionally, David was in a relationship with singer Jennifer Hudson for about a decade between 2008 and 2017.
Early Life and Education
David Daniel Otunga was born on April 7th, 1980 in Elgin, Illinois. He attended Larkin High School and later received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Illinois. He then moved to New York City and worked as a laboratory manager at Columbia University’s Cognitive Neuroscience Center.
Otunga continued his education and graduated from Harvard Law School, passing Illinois’ bar exam shortly after. He then worked at Sidley Austin, one of the largest law firms in the United States, from 2005 to 2007.
David Otunga’s Entertainment and Wrestling Career
David Otunga began his entertainment career in 2007 as a contestant in “I Love New York 2.” He later appeared in various acting opportunities, including a starring role in the 2013 film “The Call” and a guest appearance in “General Hospital.” He also appeared in talk shows like “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and “The Wendy Williams Show.” In 2008, he began his wrestling career with the WWE, starting off in their development territory. He adopted the ring name Dawson Alexander and made his debut in 2009, winning a six-man tag team alongside Barry Allen.
In 2010, Otunga wrestled in the first season of “NXT,” defeating Darren Young but losing a rematch soon after. He later teamed up with John Cena for the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship but refused to tag in. Otunga and other rookies from “NXT” later interfered with a match between Cena and CM Punk, leading to the formation of The Nexus. Otunga eventually fought alongside Cena and pursued lawsuits against Triple H. He then pursued a commentary role and joined the WWE commentary team on a full-time basis, later becoming a panelist.
David Otunga’s Relationship with Jennifer Hudson
David Otunga proposed to Jennifer Hudson in 2008, seven months after they started dating. They welcomed their first child the following year. Despite being together for eight years, they never got married and eventually separated.
David Otunga’s Issues with Jennifer Hudson
David Otunga faced several issues following his separation from Jennifer Hudson, including allegations of leaving a firearm on the kitchen counter to intimidate her, resulting in a protective order filed against him. Hudson also accused him of attempting to manipulate and alienate their son, as well as infidelity during their relationship. Otunga countered with allegations of Hudson’s own infidelity.
During their divorce proceedings, Otunga reportedly sought primary custody of their son and requested Hudson to pay for his living arrangements. However, as they were never married, the terms of child support were limited. In 2019, the pair reached a custody agreement and signed a gag order preventing public disclosure of details.
