David Otunga reveals why he didn’t sign with AEW after his WWE release

In one new video Titled “Why I Didn’t Sign with AEW,” former WWE Superstar and Harvard Law graduate David Otunga opens up about why he never pursued All Elite Wrestling after being released from WWE during COVID-era budget cuts in April 2020. Otunga also reveals a surprising personal connection with AEW President Tony Khan, sharing that the two met years earlier in Chicago, long before AEW was even announced.

Otunga explains that even after his WWE release, he never seriously considered joining AEW due to a sense of loyalty to WWE, especially after the company supported him during a difficult time in his life. “My loyalty to WWE during this time was…WWE had stuck with me…” says Otunga. “The company had my back… that meant the world to me personally.” He adds that he also hoped that WWE could bring him back once the world stabilized. “He explained it to me…hopefully they will bring me back when things are resolved,” Otunga recalled.

WWE stood by David Otunga during a very public custody battle in which false accusations and damaging media stories about him circulated, creating a situation where many public companies would have cut ties based on allegations alone. Otunga has said the company’s decision to retain him and support him during that period was personally important, especially as he worked to protect his son and maintain stability amid intense public scrutiny.

Ultimately, Otunga says his decision came down to respect and relationships, not opportunity. “The reason I never really thought about signing with AEW was because I had been so loyal to WWE…,” he explains. “That’s why I didn’t sign with AEW.” Otunga closes the video with a message to Khan that wrestling fans won’t miss: “Tony Khan… you still have my number.”