Who Is David Otunga’s Wife? The Complete Story Behind the Former WWE Star’s Relationships

December 11, 2025 - By Aliza

What happened to David Otunga after his high-profile split from Jennifer Hudson? The former WWE superstar’s personal journey has taken many unexpected turns since his days in the wrestling ring and his ten-year engagement to the Grammy-winning singer.

Many people remember Otunga as the Harvard Law School graduate who became a professional wrestler, but his story extends far beyond those headlines. Understanding his relationships and current life requires looking at both his past and present.

Understanding David Otunga’s Background

Before becoming a household name in wrestling entertainment, David Otunga built an impressive foundation through education and professional achievement. Born on April 7, 1980, in Elgin, Illinois, he demonstrated exceptional academic prowess from an early age.

His path took him through the University of Illinois, where he studied psychology, and eventually to Columbia University’s Cognitive Neuroscience Center as a laboratory manager. This intellectual foundation led him to Harvard Law School, where he earned his law degree and passed the Illinois bar examination.

Otunga’s legal career began at Sidley Austin, one of America’s most prestigious law firms. However, his ambitions extended beyond the courtroom, leading him to explore opportunities in entertainment and athletics that would ultimately define his public persona.

The Jennifer Hudson Chapter

David Otunga’s most publicized relationship began in 2007 when he met Jennifer Hudson through mutual friends. The connection between the Oscar-winning actress and the aspiring entertainer was immediate and powerful.

Less than a year after they started dating, Otunga proposed to Hudson on her 27th birthday in September 2008. The engagement ring became a symbol of their commitment, even as their wedding date remained perpetually postponed.

In August 2009, they welcomed their son, David Daniel Otunga Jr., into the world. The couple appeared to be building a stable family life together, with Hudson’s career flourishing and Otunga establishing himself in the WWE.

Their engagement lasted an unprecedented ten years without leading to marriage. Hudson frequently explained in interviews that she wanted to be absolutely certain before taking such a significant step, emphasizing her belief that marriage should be permanent.

The 2017 Separation and Its Aftermath

The stability that many believed characterized their relationship shattered in November 2017 when Hudson announced their separation. The circumstances surrounding the split proved far more complicated than a simple romantic incompatibility.

Hudson filed for a protective order against Otunga, citing threatening behavior and a physical altercation in their home. According to reports, the situation involved accusations of aggressive conduct and emotional manipulation during their final months together.

Otunga’s legal team responded with a statement denying all allegations, suggesting that Hudson’s protective order was a strategic move in their impending custody battle. The dispute over their son became contentious, with both parties fighting for favorable custody arrangements.

The legal proceedings eventually concluded with a private settlement that satisfied both parties. While the details remain confidential, reports indicated that Otunga initially received primary custody due to Hudson’s demanding work schedule, though arrangements evolved over time.

Moving Forward: Life After the Breakup

Following the separation, both Otunga and Hudson focused on co-parenting their son while rebuilding their individual lives. Hudson eventually began a new relationship with the artist Common, whom she had known for years before they became romantically involved.

David Otunga, meanwhile, stepped back from the public eye regarding his personal relationships. He continued his work as an actor and media personality, maintaining a lower profile than during his WWE days.

His transition away from professional wrestling had already begun before the separation. By 2019, he had retired from WWE, allowing him to pursue other interests and focus on his family responsibilities as a dedicated father.

David Otunga’s Current Life and New Family

In recent years, David Otunga has found happiness in a new chapter of his life. Reports from 2025 indicate that he has entered into a new committed relationship and is expecting a child with his current partner.

This news marks a significant turning point for the former wrestler, suggesting that he has successfully moved beyond the public controversy of his separation from Hudson. His focus appears to be on building a stable, private family life away from the entertainment spotlight.

While Otunga has chosen not to publicize details about his current wife or partner, the announcement of their growing family demonstrates that he continues to embrace fatherhood and family values as central to his identity.

Lessons from a Complex Journey

David Otunga’s story offers insights into the challenges of balancing multiple careers, public relationships, and personal growth. His transformation from lawyer to wrestler to actor showcases remarkable adaptability and ambition.

His relationship with Jennifer Hudson, while ultimately unsuccessful, produced a beautiful son and demonstrated the complexity of modern celebrity relationships. The couple’s decade-long engagement raised questions about commitment, timing, and the pressures of public scrutiny.

Today, Otunga’s life represents a second chance at happiness and family building. His journey reminds us that people are capable of reinvention and that life’s chapters, even difficult ones, can lead to new beginnings.

Frequently Asked Questions About David Otunga

Is David Otunga currently married?

Yes, recent reports from 2025 indicate that David Otunga is in a committed relationship and expecting a child with his current partner, though he has maintained privacy regarding her identity.

Did David Otunga ever marry Jennifer Hudson?

No, despite their ten-year engagement and shared son, David Otunga and Jennifer Hudson never married. They separated in 2017 and have since moved on to other relationships.

What is David Otunga doing now?

David Otunga continues to work as an actor and media personality. He maintains his law license and remains actively involved in his children’s lives as a dedicated father.

How many children does David Otunga have?

David Otunga has at least one child with Jennifer Hudson, David Daniel Otunga Jr., and is expecting another child with his current partner.

What was David Otunga’s WWE career like?

Otunga joined WWE in 2008 and became a two-time Tag Team Champion. He was an original member of The Nexus stable and remained with the company until his retirement in 2019.

Why did David Otunga leave WWE?

Otunga retired from professional wrestling in 2019 to pursue other opportunities in acting and media, as well as to focus on his personal life and family responsibilities.

Has David Otunga appeared in movies?

Yes, Otunga has appeared in several films and television shows, including appearances in thrillers and guest roles on popular television programs, demonstrating his versatility as an entertainer.

Aliza

I’m Aliza, the founder of Urdu Novel Bank. I built this site because I love Urdu stories and want everyone to enjoy them. As an Urdu literature lover, I choose the best novels to share with you. Here you can find free Urdu novels in romance, mystery, thriller and more. Read online or download PDF chapters without signing up. I update the library often so you’ll always have new tales to explore. My goal is to bring Urdu literature to readers around the world.