The first season of the reality show “WWE NXT” featured several wrestlers that would go on to make a name for themselves in the industry, like Wade Barrett and Bryan Danielson. Just about everyone on the show had potential, especially those who debuted as “The Nexus.” David Otunga was among that group, but ultimately stepped away from pro wrestling after lackluster booking on the main roster and a serious ultimatum from his then-fiancée, Jennifer Hudson.  WWE

After all the aforementioned drama, David Otunga had a serious conversation with himself and concluded that WWE wasn’t his dream anymore, especially with all the time away from his family. He added that he’s always been a bodybuilding fan and was even approached by “Muscle and Fitness” to be a cover star. “Growing up, my mom used to take me grocery store by her house, it was called Eagle, and while she was checking out, the magazine aisle was right there.”

At a young age, Otunga claimed he modelled himself after guys like Arnold Schwarzenegger, making this offer a real dream-come-true. However, someone at WWE allegedly didn’t want him to pose for the magazine. “I was heated. … I sent an email to WWE PR and, the long and the short of it was, it eventually got back to Vince,” he recalled, claiming that Vince McMahon went over their heads and made sure Otunga still kept the gig.

By WWE WrestleMania 30, his family situation improved a lot, and he got the call to appear at the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal that year. “Going up to Hunter backstage and was thanking him for everything, and I remember he told me; he’s like: ‘We appreciate everything you’ve been for us,’ you know ‘For now,’ he’s like: ‘Look, whenever you’re ready to come back to the main roster,’ he’s like: ‘You know, we’ll plug you right in.'” Unfortunately for Otunga, his efforts to maintain his family didn’t work out in the end, as he and Jennifer Hudson split in 2017.

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit David Otunga’s YouTube channel and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.