David Otunga: He Might Not Be Great, But I Respect The Guy

[Jack-Hammer]

While promoting The Call, in which Otunga has a role, he gave an interview to the Chicago Tribune and there are a few highlights mentioned in an article over at wrestlinginc.com. Otunga was asked about his wrestling career and how the fact that he's engaged to Jennifer Hudson has impacted it. Otunga was initially David "A-List" Otunga when he debuted in NXT and was something that they kinda sorta stuck with for a while.

"It's one of those things they kept bringing up no matter how many times I said, 'Please don't mention (Hudson),'" Otunga said. "They kept doing it and it irritated me to the point that I changed my character. That's why I started a new character with a bow tie and coffee mug. I want to stand alone. I'm pretty successful in my own right. (Hudson) still comes up, but what can I do?"

I'm not a fan of Otunga but I respect what he said here. While Otunga's career in WWE hasn't exactly been the stuff legends are made of, he has had some success. He's been involved in big angles with big stars, had a few title runs here and there. I like that he doesn't want to ultimately try to piggy back off the success of his fiancé, to try to use her fame to elevate him to another level.

Now the cynic in me might think that Otunga's lying through his teeth but, then again, maybe it's legitimately the truth. After all, Otunga hasn't been shoved down our throats even though he's engaged to a Grammy winning, Academy Award winning actress. Given Vince's love for mainstream press coverage, you think he'd be all over that like a duck on a ladybug, but he really hasn't.

So Kudos to David Otunga. He might be on the mediocre side, but at least he's not trying to ride his gal's skirt to get further up.

 

[Dirk]

Another thing to his credit is that he legitimately graduated from Harvard and he could probably be a successful lawyer, but he wrestles because that's what he loves and doesn't mind jobbing.

 

[The Butcher]

Sure, I respect the guy for a lot of things he's done outside WWE. I Love New York 2 is not on that list, and actually detracts from his respectability, but his Harvard law degree and his desire to not be Mr. Jennifer Hudson are certainly admirable.

He sucks inside WWE, though. The muscly Clarence Mason gimmick was amusing for a while, especially as a lackey to John Laurinaitis (why that group of Johnny, Otunga, and Eve didn't last longer is a mystery to me). He's been largely absent recently due to the filming and promotion of The Call, and I, for one, haven't missed him and wouldn't notice his absence if his appearance in the movie wasn't so heavily promoted on-air.

So yeah, credit where credit is due- he's a successful, hard-working, and intelligent young man who is doing what he loves for a living. Plus he's married to a famous singer/actress. In fact, he's got so much going for him that I take it all back. Screw David Otunga.

 

[Mustang Sally]

Now the cynic in me might think that Otunga's lying through his teeth but, then again, maybe it's legitimately the truth.

Which, of course, can be said for just about everything that comes out of the mouth of a celebrity. They publicly deny things that turn out to be the absolute truth (a tactic which I'm hereby naming 'The Lance Armstrong Effect') and make statements reflecting whatever casts them in the best light at the time they made it.

It occurs that Otunga may have made the "Please don't mention Jennifer Hudson" remark for the very purpose of using her to boost his career. Who knows?

The thing is, Otunga has enough going for him with things he's done for himself. He's a Harvard educated attorney (there aren't exactly an abundance of them in pro athletics, right?) and he's worked to improve himself in the ring, starting with his physique: I'm referring to having reduced the prodigious gut that was spoiling the overall appearance of those muscles of his.

He can talk, he can act, he has a unique presence.....and while his wrestling technique needs improvement, this is something he can work on.....and probably is.

So, with all this, he occasionally takes a little time off to work on legal cases? Hell, I respect him, too.

 

[KingOfKings249]

Sure, I respect the guy for a lot of things he's done outside WWE. I Love New York 2 is not on that list, and actually detracts from his respectability, but his Harvard law degree and his desire to not be Mr. Jennifer Hudson are certainly admirable.

He sucks inside WWE, though. The muscly Clarence Mason gimmick was amusing for a while, especially as a lackey to John Laurinaitis (why that group of Johnny, Otunga, and Eve didn't last longer is a mystery to me). He's been largely absent recently due to the filming and promotion of The Call, and I, for one, haven't missed him and wouldn't notice his absence if his appearance in the movie wasn't so heavily promoted on-air.

So yeah, credit where credit is due- he's a successful, hard-working, and intelligent young man who is doing what he loves for a living. Plus he's married to a famous singer/actress. In fact, he's got so much going for him that I take it all back. Screw David Otunga.

So why comment if you had nothing good to say you idiot.
Anyway I saw his interview on HOT97 about trying to get away from this interview, I watched the whole thing and gained so much respect for dude

 

[CrazyMatt88]

Well thats all well and good, but that doesn't change the fact that David Otunga CANNOT WRESTLE!!!!!! He does not belong in a WWE ring, and despite what he says, he IS there because of Hudson!

 

[The Butcher]

So why comment if you had nothing good to say you idiot.
Anyway I saw his interview on HOT97 about trying to get away from this interview, I watched the whole thing and gained so much respect for dude

Reread your pathetic comment, and then decide whether or not you have any right to name call.

I had plenty of nice things to say, and the last line of my statement was a joke. But, hey, between your shit grammar, punctuation, and reading comprehension, I doubt you even understand what I'm writing here. You'll likely dismiss it as it goes flying over your head, or worse yet, try to respond to it with some moronic jibber-jabber. Mayor Bloomberg should lay off of sodas and cigarettes and start banning his city's morons from the internet.

To clarify, mainly for the sad, hopeless young Americans who have been failed by their parents, society, and the public education system:

I respect a lot of what David Otunga has accomplished. Although I don't have access to Hot 97, which clearly is a fine outlet that draws only the most intelligent of audiences, I am aware of many of his accomplishments. I don't find him to be a talented wrestler, however, and his appearance on I Love New York 2 makes me ashamed for him.

 

[dman1373]

this is so dumb. This is like amy fisher saying i want to be famous for porn and not shooting some one in the face. Of course david outunga wants to be famous from something that hes done positive, but hes not. He got ahead becuase he was Jennifer hudsons husband. I don't want to act like he is a terrible guy because he really could be a real good guy. Just remember even though he says he wants to be a self made man, hes not, hes famous for being someones husband.

 

[LSN80]

Hes been pretty successful as a lawyer as well, as he worked for the 6th largest Law firm in the United States. I don't know if the "undefeated as a lawyer" that Michael Cole has mentioned numerous times is true, but he's obviously very good in that aspect as well, or he wouldn't have worked/works for the law firm he has/does. Sidley/Austin(his law firm) has offices in 18 cities nationwide. He worked for the parent firm, in Chicago, and I imagine one has to be pretty good(along with being a Harvard graduate) to work for the main campus of such a prestigious firm. The same one our current President was once a part of.

Further, Id imagine that most people who know David Otunga know who he's married to, so I doubt he's lying here. As has been mentioned, he's done well himself. He's got a mentionable, speaking part in a Halle Berry movie and got his first start at fame on a reality dating show(although the name escapes me).

I do wonder, however, if for not for who he's married to if he'ld have a job in the wrestling industry. Like he said, WWE did keep pushing(or at least agree to) the A-List gimmick. Further, anyone who goes on reality dating shows, is in movies and is in the professional wrestling business are so because of just a passion for them-there's undoubtably some craving of the spotlight. That's not necessarily a bad thing even, unless it's one primary motivation.

My guess is that he got his foot in the door based on his physique and his relationship with Hudson. He certainly didn't pay his dues wrestling independently, as all of his time spent in wrestling(and training furthermore) has come in WWE. But Im guessing he's at least trying to make it on his own merits now, which explains his disaperance from TV, as he can't wrestle. But if the idea is that he's attempting to get by own his own merits and abilities, and based upon his success practicing law, I can respect that.

 

[multiverseman.com]

He had some potential. That pseudo-feud with Barrett was gold Jerry, gold. That could've been huge had Cena not killed Nexus prematurely.

What I respect most about the guy is that he took time off from his own career to attend a grizzly murder trial and take notes for his woman when she couldn't deal with the horrible details of the case. That's a good dude right there.

Also, maybe he has a future in acting. We all know reality shows are fake anyway and The Call just did solid business over the weekend.

 

[KingOfKings249]

Reread your pathetic comment, and then decide whether or not you have any right to name call.

I had plenty of nice things to say, and the last line of my statement was a joke. But, hey, between your shit grammar, punctuation, and reading comprehension, I doubt you even understand what I'm writing here. You'll likely dismiss it as it goes flying over your head, or worse yet, try to respond to it with some moronic jibber-jabber. Mayor Bloomberg should lay off of sodas and cigarettes and start banning his city's morons from the internet.

To clarify, mainly for the sad, hopeless young Americans who have been failed by their parents, society, and the public education system:

I respect a lot of what David Otunga has accomplished. Although I don't have access to Hot 97, which clearly is a fine outlet that draws only the most intelligent of audiences, I am aware of many of his accomplishments. I don't find him to be a talented wrestler, however, and his appearance on I Love New York 2 makes me ashamed for him.

Such a stupid person you are, thanks to your ****** post you made me mess up lol. #GodBless & anyway it's entertainment, he actually was randomly thrown on without knowing and was going to be kicked until his sick niece wanted him to be "famous" off it so your ashamed at that?

 

[KingOfKings249]

Certain idiots shouldn't commit if they have nothing good to say

I respect Otunga, even though I don't see a huge character change anytime soon. I feel he could be a co-leader of a Million Dollar Coporation type group

 

[Pedigree1]

you know something Otunga really as of late has grown on me. I respect the hell out of him not wanting to piggyback of the coattails of his fiance! That says a lot about anyone wanting to make it on there own. Plus he is a Harvard educated Lawyer not bad at all. Otunga most certainly has the build,the charisma to be a really good wrestler.

Otunga just needs to build up his in-ring ability,which im certain he does on a constant basis. There cant be many if any educated lawyers in pro athletics if any. I think over the course of time Otunga will be pretty damn good. He has had many good feuds and IMO many more to come

 

[enviousdominous]

David Otunga is one of those rare individuals who is willing to portray a bow tied dorky heel if that's what puts over a steroid jacked face.

His wrestling is at best 3 out of 5 star quality, but wrestling ability is hardly what pro-wrestling companies choose to market their talent with. Any body builder can perform at the level of a Ryback, if your niche is bow tied dork then that's what you do.

I think he has one of the better theme songs, I think he can cut an obnoxious brainiac promo to rival that of Damien Sandow.


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[MillionDollarDream]

So why comment if you had nothing good to say you idiot.
Anyway I saw his interview on HOT97 about trying to get away from this interview, I watched the whole thing and gained so much respect for dude

That Hot 97 Interview was a really good interview(for those that don't know HOT 97 is one of the top urban radio stations in the US), very informative as Peter Rosenberg is a self professed wrestling nerd while still getting the promo stuff out of the way. As for "not having access to hot 97" the interview is on youtube as well as Peter Rosenbergs other "wrestling with rosenberg" videos.

When it comes to wrestling in the NYC market Peter is one of the top guys. During SXSW he brought out Mark Henry during a show after promising the group he would do that for them since they are big wrestling fans. He's also hosting a roast for Iron Shiek and and drinking event with MVP wrestlmania weekend if anyone is interested in going during all the fan events.

 

[One to Remember]

Literally speaking he is Jennifer Hudson's husband, but one how many of yoou would know that if he wasn't called that in jest, and two, Hudson isn't that big so don't exaggerate. I know her for Jenny Craig ads and Dreamgirls. Amercan Idol was already becoming old news.

Otunga cought ou eye as "Punk" on I love New York II which made him a reality tv star making it easier to enter the WWE Universe like Mike Mizanin after Real World: Back to New York. He would had already gotten through the hiring process because he went to Harvard and worked for top law firms. That makes him unique to the WWE roster.. And if you have that type o career you don't need to bust your hump on the indies and its not mandatory to do some regardless of what veterans or indy stars are bitter that he bypassed it.. Hes on WWE because hes a reality tv star that has a build, can be taught how to wrestle and has a unique legal back ground to incorporate into storylines..

 

[Jonyboyuk2]

I think what a guy like Otunga has missed out on most is the experience that the stars of yesteryear missed out on - regional experience and working in different territories.

He is acceptable as a performer but his in ring presence is poor. That said; I recall thinking the same thing about someone in 1995 when he debuted on WWF superstars with black trunks and white boots with a black star on them. And all they did was allow him to change his character and he became the biggest star in Wrestling history - Stone Cold Steve Austin.

 

[dman1373]

He is acceptable as a performer but his in ring presence is poor. That said; I recall thinking the same thing about someone in 1995 when he debuted on WWF superstars with black trunks and white boots with a black star on them. And all they did was allow him to change his character and he became the biggest star in Wrestling history - Stone Cold Steve Austin.

Are you joking me. You are comparing someone like stone cold steve austin (who was well beyond acceptable in the ring as a performer ) to Otunga. Do you really think that Otunga, with a gimmick change could even be a top tier guy. Your insane.

 

[MillionDollarDream]

he could stand a gimmick change, right now he reminds me of Lex Luger's failed "Narcissist " gimmick.

 

[CrazyMatt88]

Here's a question for you guys, do you really think that he would be in WWE now if it wasn't for Jen Hudson? If he wasn't married to Hudson, no one, including WWE would give a toss about him. Whether it was his intention or not, or whether he wants this to be true or not, he is there because of his fiance, and I think it is a shame that WWE will take in a sub-par performer just cause he has a famous fiance, then a legit, hard working indies guy. Someone with as little in-ring ability as him should never be in the WWE.

 

[Trance Metaphor]

I like David Otunga. I admit, at first I hated the guy when he appeared on NXT acting all smug like he was the best. He couldn't get jack done in the ring. His in-ring abilities were less-than-stellar and in need of major improvement. That kind of carried him over to the main roster when he was consistently put in matches no longer than a few minutes. I might be wrong, but I think it's the reason why the WWE never pushed Nathan Jones back in the day either. Limited skills. With that being said, I like David Otunga for finding his own gimmick to separate himself from being labelled as just "Jennifer Hudson's husband." He's accomplished in his own right and he certainly has the bragging rights. He's a Harvard graduate and is also crossing over into movies while still remaining relevant to WWE TV in some capacity. He certainly has more charisma on the mic, which can do wonders for him if he hones his skills a little more when doing films in the future. I do hope he does find some ground in wrestling and perhaps win some quality matches. He's like Chris Masters with brains.