David Otunga Says Daniel Bryan Wasn’t Fired In Nexus Angle For Choking Justin Roberts

David Otunga recently recounted the Nexus’ debut and says Daniel Bryan’s firing wasn’t for choking out Justin Roberts. Otunga was part of the group, which consisted of the rookies of NXT season one. They made their main roster debut on the June 7th, 2010 episode of Raw with an assault on John Cena, CM Punk, Luke Gallows and everyone at ringside.

It’s often been that Bryan (now Bryan Danielson in AEW) was fired for choking out Justin Roberts with his tie, which was objected to for its violence. Otunga said on his YouTube channel that Bryan was actually fired for spitting on John Cena.

It should be noted that Danielson has listed both actions as the reasons for his firing. He noted such in a 2024 interview with Sports Illustrated. Otunga’s channel sent along some highlights from the video, and you can see the highlights below:

On Why Danielson Was Fired:

“Everybody heard it was because he choked Justin Roberts with a tie. But I was there, and I saw something else. Daniel Bryan spit in John Cena’s face. If he spit in my face, I would’ve beaten his ass right there.”

On the Angle Being Told To Them By McMahon:

“We thought we were being fired. We’d never been called into Vince’s office before. It really did feel like going to the principal’s office.”

On McMahon’s Directive For the Segment:

“This has to look vicious. If it doesn’t, you’re fired.”

On Backstage Confusion About the Angle:

“The boys thought we went rogue. Some of the vets were about to run out there and try to fight us for real. Agents had to hold them back. And the jealousy started almost instantly. We were rookies suddenly leapfrogging mid-carders and landing in the main event.”

On Throwing The First Punch Despite Not Having Been Tought How To Punch:

“Vince said it had to look real, so I was ready to knock out the referee if I had to. Luckily, the shot landed perfectly. As far as I know, Chad [Patton] still has all his teeth.”