The Nexus are unfortunately one of the biggest pieces of wasted potential in WWE history, with the faction having huge promise before they were completely ruined by poor booking and management. After one of the most memorable debuts of all time, The Nexus went on a gradual descent before chopping and changing leaders and members, until they eventually disbanded around one year after they had first made an appearance.
With it being over a decade since The Nexus were a faction, fans may have forgotten some must know facts about the group, with a mixture of these being interesting tidbits and also some necessary information.
10 The Nexus Came Together After Appearing In The Inaugural Season Of NXT
Many fans will now know NXT to be WWE’s developmental brand, but it wasn’t always that way. The original iteration of NXT was a game show which featured some developmental names, who were competing to earn a WWE contract through an array of ridiculous challenges.
Due to the disrespect they had received, the competitors on the first season of NXT came together to form The Nexus. It is certainly interesting to know that NXT’s roots come all the way back to this faction.
9 Daniel Bryan Was Fired After The Nexus’ Debut
During The Nexus’ infamously jaw-dropping debut, things didn’t go to plan for one member. Daniel Bryan, who was perhaps the biggest name in the group due to his huge reputation outside WWE, went too far in his brutal assault of Justin Roberts, strangling him with a tie.
This led to Bryan being fired, despite believing that he was told to simply cause mayhem - which he did. Thankfully for Bryan, he was rehired not long later, with him instead going up against The Nexus rather than as a member.
8 There Were Thirteen Total Members Of The Nexus
The Nexus lasted officially from June 7th 2010, until July 17th 2011. In that time, the group consisted of thirteen total members, as the group chopped and changed several times over the year. The original cast included Wade Barrett, David Otunga, Justin Gabriel, Heath Slater, Skip Sheffield, Darren Young, and Michael Tarver.
Michael McGuillicutty and Husky Harris were later added to their ranks, along with John Cena, who was forcibly made a member. Later, CM Punk would become the leader, kicking out certain members and enlisting Mason Ryan too.
7 The Nexus Were Three-Time WWE Tag Team Champions
Despite their dominance over WWE for the first few months, The Nexus overall didn’t have too much glory in terms of championship gold. David Otunga & John Cena, Justin Gabriel & Heath Slater, and Otunga & Michael McGuillicutty would each win the Tag Team Titles as a part of The Nexus.
When CM Punk won the WWE Championship at Money in the Bank 2011, he was still technically a member of The Nexus, but the group ultimately disbanded after this event, so it is arguable as to whether they technically held the WWE Title.
6 Chris Jericho & Edge Wanted To Lose To The Nexus
At SummerSlam 2010, The Nexus battled Team WWE in a huge main event. In hindsight, The Nexus should have undoubtedly won this match, with Wade Barrett going on to eventually become WWE Champion. Instead, John Cena and Vince McMahon insisted the crowd should go home happy with the babyfaces standing tall.
On his podcast, Talk is Jericho, Chris Jercicho revealed that he and Edge, who were on Team WWE, strongly pushed to put the younger heels over. Unfortunately, this didn’t take place, which irreversibly damaged The Nexus.
5 The Nexus Were Supposed To Feud With The Undertaker
Wade Barrett was slated for big things after winning the first season of NXT, and at the Bragging Rights PPV, things seemed to be going back on track for The Nexus as they ambushed and attacked The Undertaker.
This was supposed to set up a match between Barrett and The Undertaker for WrestleMania 27, but faith was steadily lost in Barrett, which was a huge shame, and plans changed which ended up seeing Undertaker face Triple H, and Barrett be on the receiving end of a one-minute eight-man tag team squash.
4 There Were Two Separate Leaders Of The Nexus
Wade Barrett was the original leader of The Nexus, as in storyline he was the only one with a WWE contract. As time went on, The Nexus seemed to become more equal - that was until Barrett was kicked out of the group in a coup.
After sitting on the sidelines with an injury, CM Punk eventually wormed his way into taking control over The Nexus, turning into more of a cult-like faction, with initiations, and a pledge to him as the leader.
3 WWE Scrapped Plans For A Potential Nexus Reunion
Ahead of WrestleMania 36, several members of The Nexus were contacted by WWE to reunite at WrestleMania Axxess in order to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the group, and to film content for the WWE Network.
Unfortunately, due to the effects of the pandemic, the reunion was scrapped and didn’t take place, with it unlikely to ever happen.
2 David Otunga Was The Only Person Who Remained A Nexus Member The Entire Time
The Nexus may have only been a group for just over a year, but in that time they underwent a lot of change. However, there was one singular constant variable in the group from start to finish, and that was David Otunga.
Otunga was often the second in command behind Barrett, but he remained true to The Nexus as certain members left upon CM Punk procuring leadership. By the end of the faction’s life, Otunga remained as the only Nexus original.
1 There Are Zero Members Of The Nexus Actively Competing In WWE
Fans had high hopes for The Nexus, especially when considering how highly talented many of the members are and were. However, in 2022, there are no members of The Nexus who are active talent on WWE’s roster. Wade Barrett currently serves as a commentator and John Cena is less than a part-time attraction.
The other members are either no longer wrestling, free agents, or working in other promotions such as AEW and NJPW.