WWE Allegedly Took Everything That Failed With Nexus and Perfected It for The Shield

David Otunga didn’t hold back when discussing what could’ve been for The Nexus.

In a new interview with Insight with Chris Van Vliet, the former WWE Superstar reflected on how the faction had all the makings of a dominant force—until WWE pulled the plug after SummerSlam 2010. Otunga claims that if WWE had stayed the course, The Nexus could have achieved the same level of success The Shield would later enjoy.

While speaking about how WWE derailed Nexus after their loss to John Cena, Otunga offered his take on the bigger picture.

“I think we would have had a major run kind of like The Shield. Because if you ask me, I feel like The Shield was Nexus 2.0. What they did with The Shield—everything they did wrong in Nexus—they made sure they did it right with The Shield.”

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According to Otunga, the decision to have Cena go over at SummerSlam was the death blow. He recalled that they were told all day they were going over, only for the finish to change last-minute at Cena’s request. After that, the group never recovered. WWE’s original plans for Otunga to eventually take over as Nexus leader were scrapped, and the group was soon handed over to CM Punk with little direction.

Otunga says the company had lightning in a bottle but didn’t know what to do with it—until a few years later. In his view, The Shield was everything Nexus should have been. With a long-term story, protected booking, and support from the top, The Shield became a cornerstone faction. Nexus, despite its massive debut, was left behind.

“Everything they did wrong in Nexus, they made sure they did it right with The Shield.”

WWE may have moved on, but Otunga and his Nexus teammates haven’t forgotten. And if there’s ever a John Cena farewell match that needs to tie up loose ends, Otunga made it clear they’re just a phone call away.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.