Remember the Nexus? That destructive force that tore through WWE in 2010? They were a group of NXT rookies, led by Wade Barrett, who made an immediate impact, targeting John Cena and causing chaos. Their initial dominance was undeniable, and they seemed poised to change the wrestling world. It’s been over a decade since their debut, and the wrestling landscape has shifted dramatically.
The question on many fans’ minds is: what happened to these guys? Did they achieve the success they initially sought? And, perhaps most importantly, are any Nexus members still wrestling? This article will delve into the careers of the Nexus members, examining their post-Nexus journeys, their successes, their setbacks, and where they are today. We’ll explore their accomplishments inside and outside of WWE, and see if they’re still gracing the squared circle.
Prepare for a trip down memory lane, as we revisit the careers of the men who once terrorized WWE. Let’s find out what the members of the Nexus are up to now!
The Rise and Fall of the Nexus
The Nexus debuted on the June 7, 2010, episode of Raw. Their impact was immediate and brutal. They stormed the ring, demolishing everything in their path, including the ring itself, the announce team, and, most notably, John Cena. This shocking display of force immediately established them as a threat. The original Nexus lineup consisted of Wade Barrett, Daniel Bryan, Darren Young, David Otunga, Heath Slater, Justin Gabriel, Michael Tarver, and Skip Sheffield (Ryback).
Their primary goal was to earn contracts with WWE, and they demanded opportunities. Cena, initially their main target, became the focal point of their feud. This feud culminated in a match at SummerSlam 2010, where Team WWE (Cena, Edge, Chris Jericho, John Morrison, R-Truth, and Bret Hart) defeated The Nexus. This loss significantly damaged the group’s momentum, and the seeds of their eventual demise were sown.
The Nexus continued to feud with WWE, but internal conflicts and management decisions gradually chipped away at their dominance. Daniel Bryan’s early release from WWE due to a controversial incident further weakened the group. The group went through various iterations and leadership changes, with CM Punk briefly taking over leadership. However, the initial impact and cohesion were never fully restored.
The Nexus eventually dissolved, with members pursuing individual careers. While some found success, others struggled to reach their full potential. Their legacy remains a story of a promising concept that didn’t quite live up to its initial hype, but it did provide launching pads for several wrestlers who would go on to have successful careers.
Where Are They Now? A Nexus Member Rundown
Let’s take a look at each member of the original Nexus lineup and explore their wrestling careers since the group’s breakup.
Wade Barrett (stu Bennett)
Wade Barrett, the leader of the Nexus, experienced a mixed bag of success after the group disbanded. He had a solid run in WWE, capturing the Intercontinental Championship multiple times and forming the faction The Corre with Heath Slater, Justin Gabriel, and Ezekiel Jackson. However, he often found himself in a position of potential, never quite reaching the main event level that many fans believed he was destined for. (See Also: How Is Wrestling Staged )
Barrett eventually left WWE and pursued acting, appearing in films such as “Dead Man Down” and “Vengeance”. He also made appearances in the wrestling promotion, World of Sport Wrestling. In 2020, he returned to WWE as a commentator on NXT, and later on SmackDown. He is currently a commentator for WWE and is not actively wrestling.
Daniel Bryan (bryan Danielson)
Daniel Bryan’s WWE career took off after his brief stint in the Nexus. Despite being fired initially, he returned and became one of the most beloved and successful wrestlers in WWE history. He is known for his technical prowess, charisma, and undeniable connection with the fans.
Bryan won multiple championships, including the WWE Championship, and headlined WrestleMania XXX. He was forced to retire due to concussion-related issues but made a triumphant return to the ring. He is now wrestling for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) under his real name, Bryan Danielson. He continues to be a top performer.
Darren Young (fred Rosser)
Darren Young had a decent but ultimately unspectacular run in WWE after the Nexus. He formed a tag team with Titus O’Neil, known as The Prime Time Players, and they won the WWE Tag Team Championship. He was released by WWE in 2017.
Darren Young is still wrestling on the independent circuit. He has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, sharing his personal story and experiences. He continues to be active in the wrestling world, making appearances and competing.
David Otunga
David Otunga’s wrestling career was relatively short-lived. He focused more on his legal career and transitioned into a role as a commentator and analyst for WWE. He won the WWE Tag Team Championship with John Cena, but his in-ring career was never as prominent as some of his Nexus counterparts.
Otunga is no longer wrestling, but he remains involved in the world of entertainment and law. He has worked as a commentator and analyst for WWE and other media outlets. He is also a lawyer.
Heath Slater
Heath Slater, known for his “One Man Band” persona, had a more successful career in WWE than some might have predicted. He was a part of various tag teams, including 3MB with Drew McIntyre and Jinder Mahal, and he won the WWE Tag Team Championship with Rhyno. (See Also: Is Carmella Coming Back To Wrestling )
Heath Slater was released by WWE and has since wrestled on the independent circuit. He also made appearances in Impact Wrestling. He is still active in the wrestling world.
Justin Gabriel (pj Black)
Justin Gabriel, known for his high-flying style, had some success in WWE, winning the WWE Tag Team Championship with Heath Slater. He eventually requested his release from WWE and pursued a career on the independent circuit.
Justin Gabriel, now known as PJ Black, continues to wrestle around the world. He is known for his aerial maneuvers and has wrestled for various promotions, including Ring of Honor and Lucha Underground. He is still actively competing.
Michael Tarver
Michael Tarver’s WWE run was cut short due to injuries and a lack of development. He was released in 2011 and never achieved significant success in professional wrestling.
Michael Tarver is no longer wrestling professionally. He has pursued other ventures outside of wrestling.
Skip Sheffield (ryback)
Ryback, after leaving the Nexus, underwent a repackaging and had a significant push in WWE. He became a dominant force, known for his size and strength. He challenged for the WWE Championship and had a prominent role in several storylines.
Ryback left WWE and has since been involved in various controversies and legal disputes. He is no longer wrestling professionally. He has been focused on his personal brand and other business ventures.
Nexus Member Career Paths: A Comparison
Here’s a quick comparison of the post-Nexus career paths of some key members: (See Also: Are Wrestling Briefs Like Speedos )
| Wrestler | Post-Nexus WWE Career Highlights | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Wade Barrett | Multiple-time Intercontinental Champion, The Corre | WWE Commentator |
| Daniel Bryan | WWE Champion, WrestleMania Main Eventer | Wrestling for AEW |
| Darren Young | WWE Tag Team Champion (Prime Time Players) | Wrestling on the Independent Circuit |
| Heath Slater | WWE Tag Team Champion (with Rhyno), 3MB | Wrestling on the Independent Circuit/Impact |
| Justin Gabriel (PJ Black) | WWE Tag Team Champion | Wrestling on the Independent Circuit |
| Ryback | Challenged for WWE Championship | Retired from Wrestling |
The Lasting Impact of the Nexus
The Nexus’s impact on the wrestling world goes beyond their relatively short run as a dominant force. They served as a catalyst for change, highlighting the importance of new talent and the need for fresh storylines. The group’s debut was a shocking moment that shook up the established order of WWE.
The Nexus also provided a platform for several wrestlers who would go on to achieve significant success. Daniel Bryan, Wade Barrett, and Heath Slater are prime examples of wrestlers who used the Nexus as a stepping stone to bigger and better things. The Nexus showed that even a group that doesn’t always succeed in the long term can create opportunities for its members.
The group’s legacy is a reminder that the wrestling business is constantly evolving, and that new talent always has the potential to make a big impact. Even though the Nexus didn’t achieve the long-term dominance they initially sought, they left a lasting impression on the wrestling world. Their debut is still talked about and remembered.
Are Any Nexus Members Still Wrestling? The Current State of Affairs
The answer to the question, “are any nexus members still wrestling?” is yes, but it’s a mixed bag. While some members have retired or moved on to other careers, several Nexus alumni are still actively competing in the ring.
Daniel Bryan, now known as Bryan Danielson, is a major star in AEW and continues to deliver outstanding performances. Darren Young and Heath Slater are still wrestling on the independent circuit, entertaining fans with their skills. Justin Gabriel, now PJ Black, continues his wrestling career around the world. These wrestlers prove that the Nexus experience, despite its ups and downs, helped to prepare them for long careers in wrestling.
On the other hand, Wade Barrett is a commentator for WWE and is not actively wrestling, and Ryback is retired. David Otunga is also no longer involved in active wrestling. Their post-wrestling careers are a testament to the diverse paths wrestlers can take after their in-ring days.
The Nexus members’ current situations highlight the different ways wrestlers can navigate the industry. Some find success in other fields, while others continue to pursue their passion for wrestling. The Nexus’s impact is still felt, as fans continue to follow the careers of its members.
Conclusion
The Nexus, a faction that promised to revolutionize WWE, ultimately experienced a turbulent journey. While their initial impact was significant, their run was cut short due to internal conflicts and creative decisions. The question of whether any Nexus members are still wrestling has a varied answer. Several members, like Daniel Bryan, Darren Young, Heath Slater, and Justin Gabriel, continue to be active in the wrestling world. They are showcasing their talents and proving their resilience.
Other members, such as Wade Barrett, have transitioned to different roles within the wrestling industry, while others have pursued careers outside of the squared circle. The Nexus may not have achieved its ultimate goal of dominating WWE, but it provided a platform for its members and left a mark on wrestling history. The careers of the Nexus members serve as a reminder of the ever-changing nature of professional wrestling, where success can take many forms. The legacy of the Nexus continues to evolve as its members continue their professional paths.
