On September 24, 2010, David Otunga partnered with Wade Barrett to face John Cena and Evan Bourne during a live event in Paris, France. During the match, Otunga and Cena were both caught on the ropes when Otunga pulled the ropes, causing Cena to fall awkwardly on his back. Otunga explained that Cena bumped into him too quickly, making the fall look bad, and as the match progressed, Cena launched an intense attack on Otunga.
Otunga recounted, “I turned around and saw Cena, disgusted. He was aggressively attacking me, mocking my abilities, telling me I’m living in a fantasy, and that this is the end of my career, all in the middle of the match. I was unsure how to react because I had made a mistake, but Cena’s behavior was quite harsh, and he kept taunting me from across the ring.”
He went on to say that Cena’s hostility continued even after Otunga had fallen, with Cena ridiculing him near the locker room area. Only Dustin Rhodes stepped in to support Otunga afterward. Though they eventually worked well together, Otunga admits the incident impacted him deeply, making him contemplate leaving wrestling altogether.
“That experience changed how I saw John Cena forever,” Otunga said. “It also shifted my perspective on the company since no one intervened. Goldust spoke to Cena, but there was never any apology.”
Fan Take: This revelation sheds light on the often hidden backstage tensions that can affect performers’ careers and mental health. For WWE fans, it’s a reminder that the wrestling world can be as challenging behind the scenes as it is in the ring, which could spark important conversations about respect and professionalism in the sport.
