WWE Superstar David Otunga spoke with ChicagoNow.com this weekend to promote Monday's RAW from his hometown. Here are a few highlights:
You have been part of a reality show, the WWE and now a movie with Halle Berry. What has been the toughest on you in terms of learning your role?
I guess it had to be the reality show (I Love New York). There was a lot more information that I could process at one time. The film was unbelievably fun because it came to me second nature. With the WWE, the acting classes, and the improv I do it was very easy to blend in. The only major difference was me having to shave. I haven't shaved in many, many years but it had to be done and it helped me get into character.
Hacksaw Jim Duggan has a 2X4, Triple H has a sledgehammer, but you have a coffee mug. How did that prop develop as a part of your character?
Funny you should mention that because I'm drinking out of it right now. The thing about the coffee mug, is that it's really me. One day I started using it on camera and people are led to believe it's a part of my character. But it's really me and not just my character's role.
The gateway to the WWE for you was being a part of the group called "Nexus". Then slowly you branched out to becoming a legal counsel for many WWE wrestlers and executives. Was the lawyer role something that was always on the back burner or did you pitch this idea to the creative department?
That was something that I did definitely. I was kind of turning into the A-lister and Hollywood star person but I'm more of a different character. I really am a lawyer and no one else is which sets me apart from everybody else. One day I went out to cut a promo and I was supposed to talk about something else but did the lawyer thing and they loved it. So we stuck with and it felt pretty good.
You have been more of a manager per say, instead of a wrestler in your career in the WWE. Recently, you have been getting a lot more singles matches. How has that transformation been from being a manager to the ring on a more permanent basis?
Well you know it's something I've been I'm waiting for. It hasn't been that difficult but I've been looking forward to it for a very long time. I enjoy being in the ring and it was more excitement than anything to be back in that wrestling role.
I am very goal oriented and want to see my character go to the top. I am hoping to have the creative freedom to do that and let it pan out the way I would like. It's exciting for sure and hopefully in the next few weeks my character continues to grow.
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