Under his ring name Dawson Alexander ,David Otunga’s net worth is estimated to be $10 Million.David Otunga is a retired wrestler and actor from the WWE franchise. He was part of The Nexus and the only member to be present from the very beginning.
The Nexus was a group of professional wrestlers that made a huge impact in WWE. During David’s time in WWE, he became a two-time WWE Tag Team Champion.
What is David Otunga’s Net Worth and Salary?
During his tenure with the WWE, he gained recognition for his involvement with organizations like The Nexus and The New Nexus. Additionally, David achieved two WWE Tag Team Championship titles. Notably, he maintained a decade-long relationship with singer Jennifer Hudson, starting in 2008 and lasting until 2017.
Early Life
David Otunga was born on 7 April 1980, in Elgin, Illinois. His father, Moses, is a Kenyan and his mother, Billie, is American. Both his parents were previously teachers.
He has two sisters, Lisha and Lisi.
David has an impressive educational background. After graduating from Larkin High School in 1998, he went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology while attending the University of Illinois.
David, later, graduated from Harvard Law School and joined an American law firm, Sidley Austin. He reportedly worked at Sidley Austin for 2 years between 2005 and 2007.
Career
David Otunga, a former American professional wrestler, lawyer, and actor, achieved a net worth of $10 million. His television career commenced when his niece submitted his audition tape, leading to his selection as a contestant on “I Love New York 2.” Subsequently, he ventured into acting, appearing in films like “The Call” and the popular TV series “General Hospital.”
In 2008, Otunga merged his two passions—wrestling and acting—by securing a development contract with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Assigned to the renowned development territory, Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), he made his debut on May 29, 2009, winning a six-man tag team match.
Announced as a participant in the first season of NXT on February 16, 2010, David faced defeat on an episode due to interference from his opponent’s mentor. Undeterred, he returned triumphantly, winning an 8-man battle royal on March 30 and subsequently guest-hosting Raw.
During his tenure, Otunga’s NXT team wreaked havoc, attacking General Manager Bret Hart after he denied them contracts. Renamed “The Nexus,” they engaged in a feud with John Cena and Raw. Interestingly, Cena later aligned with the Nexus following his defeat by Barrett at “Hell in a Cell.”
Notably, David Otunga and John Cena secured the WWE Tag Team Championship on October 24. Additionally, he teamed up with Michael McGillicutty to claim the title once more. The New Nexus era concluded with an episode aired on August 1.
Throughout his career, Otunga faced off against wrestling luminaries like Randy Orton and Daniel Bryan, consistently emerging victorious.
Relationships
Otunga proposed to actress and singer Jennifer Hudson on her birthday in 2008, seven months after the pair began dating. In 2009, they welcomed their first child into the world. Eight years passed, and the couple separated without ever marrying.
Divorce Issues
David Otunga was involved in several issues as a result of his separation from Jennifer Hudson. Hudson later claimed that he had left a firearm on the kitchen counter in order to scare and intimidate her during the relationship. This was apparently part of the reason she filed a protective order against Otunga, as she became concerned about her own safety and that of her son. She also accused David of attempting to manipulate and alienate their son. Finally, Jennifer also claimed that he had cheated during the relationship. Otunga later countered by stating that Jennifer had been unfaithful.
As the divorce proceeded, reports surfaced that suggested Otunga was claiming primary custody of his son. He was also apparently asking Jennifer to pay for his living arrangements as a result of his alleged primary custody of their child. However, David and Jennifer never actually married, and so the terms of child support are somewhat limited. In 2019, the pair reached a custody agreement and signed a gag order, preventing either party from coming forward with the details.
David Otunga’s Career Earnings
Having started out so well, it’s no wonder that David Otunga has so much money from wrestling. But more than that, he’s been successful as an actor as well, which has bumped up his earnings substantially.
Here’s an estimated overview of David Otunga’s annual income:
- David Otunga’s Salary In 2013 – $185,000
- David Otunga’s Salary In 2014 – $255,172
- David Otunga’s Salary In 2015 – $370,000
- David Otunga’s Salary In 2016 – $425,500
- David Otunga’s Salary In 2017 – $500,000
- David Otunga’s Salary In 2018 – $450,000
- David Otunga’s Salary In 2019 – $350,000
- David Otunga’s Salary In 2020 – $250,000
- David Otunga’s Salary In 2021 – $350,000
- David Otunga’s Salary In 2022 – $370,000
Awards & Achievements
David is an intelligent, highly skilled athlete. This has allowed him to achieve success within the physically dangerous world of professional wrestling without succumbing to serious injury. He quit while he was ahead and continues to serve his fans and the sport of wrestling.
- In Pro Wrestling Illustrated, David was given Feud of the year and Most Hated Wrestler of the year for his work with The Nexus in 2010.
- Pro Wrestling also named him Rookie of the year in 2010.
- He has won 2 Tag Team Championships alongside John Cena.
- Through WWE, he won the “Slammy Award” twice.
- He won “Shocker of the Year” in 2010 when part of the debut of The Nexus.
- In 2011, David won the Pee-wee Herman Bowtie Award.
How Does David Otunga Spend His Money?
David Otunga lives a relatively simple celebrity life with few luxuries. He is a sophisticated man who is very selective when it comes to the investments he makes.
He has purchased a property called Burr Ridge which is reportedly worth $745,000.
David doesn’t drive the most expensive cars in the world, nor is he overly ostentatious in his dress.