Vince McMahon Threatened To Axe Popular Faction Just Before Its Debut

Vince McMahon was all business when it came to selling storylines in WWE.

The members of a faction which debuted in 2010 faced a direct threat from McMahon just as they were about to make their main roster debut.

The stable in question is Nexus, which comprised eight rookies from Season 1 of NXT, led by Wade Barrett.

During the course of the faction’s existence, it went through various transitions, with only David Otunga serving it throughout the entirety of its existence.

Otunga recently spoke with TMZ Inside The Ring, sharing previously untold details about their 2010 debut, wherein they brutalized various main roster talents, including John Cena.

With Nexus, it was so organic. And I’ll tell you what made it real is that it was real. We thought that we were going to be fired, really. Right before the show started, they call us into Vince’s office… and Vince tells us, ‘And if it doesn’t look vicious enough, you’re fired.’

The former WWE star said that the threat from Vince McMahon put immense pressure on the members of the faction, especially himself, who was tasked the job of attacking first.

I was really green… when Vince said, ‘Hey, if it doesn’t look good, you’re fired,’ I was like, ‘Well, we gotta really start.’ Chad Patton, sorry buddy, but you’re gonna have to eat one.

Is Vince McMahon Returning To WWE?

Vince McMahon has not been seen in the WWE since resigning from the TKO board in January 2024.

He is currently embroiled in a lawsuit filed by a former employee, accusing him of sexual assault and trafficking.

He also turned 80 years old recently, and celebrated at the Gotham Hall in New York with several current and former WWE staff in attendance.

Vince McMahon’s pull over the company’s employees despite not being associated with it for over a year left people wondering if he was looking to find a way back in.

Well, on the plus side, sources at the top of the company suggest there’s no desire to bring him back. However, there are speculations still that he could appear at John Cena’s final match in December.

Elsewhere, shocking details from Vince McMahon’s secret birthday party were leaked recently.