D-Von Dudley has publicly identified former WWE commentator Jim Ross as the individual behind racist remarks he encountered during his initial tenure with the organization. The WWE Hall of Famer disclosed his disappointment over being told that the color of his skin influenced Ross’s feelings towards him, a revelation that has since sparked discussions on racism in professional wrestling.
During an appearance on the podcast Duke Loves Rasslin, D-Von Dudley recounted his experiences from 1999 to 2005, a period marked by both personal challenges and professional triumphs. He explained that the racism he faced was not an isolated incident but rather part of a broader issue within the industry. “It was definitely a behind-the-scenes thing,” he stated. He emphasized that he had encountered this behavior from higher-ups, specifically mentioning a certain individual who expressed dislike due to Dudley’s race.
D-Von shared that he had no respect for the person who made these remarks, adding, “I don’t really care for him.” His comments were initially made during a discussion with fellow wrestlers Bubba Ray Dudley and Maven, where they hinted at Ross being the source of the comments. D-Von later confirmed this during his podcast interview, stating, “Did I come out and say ‘ten-gallon hat’? Yes. Was it JR? Yes. I did have a problem with JR back then and I didn’t know why.”
Despite the hurt caused by Ross’s statements, D-Von expressed that he holds no animosity toward him today. He acknowledged Ross’s ongoing health challenges and articulated his desire for Ross to recover. “I pray that God heals his body,” he remarked, highlighting a shift in his perspective over the years.
Ross, who spent nearly two decades as a key commentator and backstage figure in WWE before leaving the promotion in 2019, has since joined All Elite Wrestling (AEW). His tenure at WWE involved significant contributions, including overseeing talent relations and scouting emerging wrestlers. Under his leadership, iconic figures such as Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, John Cena, and Randy Orton were brought into the company.
Reflecting on the incident, D-Von noted that several witnesses were present at the time, including wrestling luminaries like Paul Heyman, Tommy Dreamer, and Spike Dudley. He emphasized the importance of their accounts, particularly as they do not share his racial background. “No one is pulling anything here,” he asserted, countering claims that the situation may have been exaggerated or misconstrued.
As discussions about race and inclusion continue to resonate through the wrestling community, D-Von’s candidness serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by individuals in the industry. He has urged for forgiveness while calling for acknowledgment of past wrongs, stating, “I’m not asking anyone to forget, but you do have to forgive.” Although he has yet to receive an apology from Ross, D-Von has chosen to reconcile his feelings, indicating a desire for healing and growth within the wrestling community as a whole.
