D-Von Dudley accuses Jim Ross of racism in WWE Attitude Era incident
After accusing an unnamed former WWE higher-up of racism, D-Von Dudley has confirmed that Jim Ross is the person he was talking about.
Dudley uploaded a YouTube video this month speaking with Bully Ray and Maven. During their conversation, Dudley addressed whether he experienced racism in pro wrestling. Dudley said that, around 1999-2000, there was someone in WWE who directly told him that they did not like him because of the color of his skin. Dudley did not name Ross as the individual at the time, but he heavily hinted at it by speaking with a Southern accent and mentioning 10-gallon hats.
A recent interview with Videogamer also saw Dudley address the situation without mentioning Ross by name.
Because fans were now speculating on who he was talking about, Dudley confirmed that the individual was not Vince McMahon, Michael Hayes, John Laurinaitis, or Pat Patterson. Dudley said WWE as a company has been great to him and helped him put a roof over his head during his career.
“Was it JR? Yes. I did have a problem with JR back then — and I didn’t know why,” Dudley said on Devon and The Duke. “I’m not angry at the man today. I know the man is going through some health problems, some health issues. And just to show you where I am and the place that I’m in, I pray [that] God, you know, can heal his body. But was I disappointed with that man when he said the things he said to me back then? Yes I was.”
In the initial YouTube video, Bully Ray corroborated that the interaction D-Von was talking about did happen. D-Von said Paul Heyman, Spike Dudley, and Tommy Dreamer were also there.
“I was very hurt, very bothered by what the man had said on two separate occasions,” D-Von said about Ross. “And like I said about [Hulk] Hogan, I’m not asking you to forget what was said, but you have to forgive. And I’ve forgiven him in my heart.
“I have not talked to him. When I see him, I don’t say anything to him. Because not once has he come to me and apologized for the things that he said. And he might say he don’t remember, that’s fine…
“I don’t hold any ill feelings towards the man. Again, I won’t forget. But I do have to forgive him. And whether he wants to be, you know, stubborn about it or what have you, that’s on him. But my heart of hearts is letting it go.”
Ross was a commentator for WWE during this Attitude Era period and also served as WWE’s Head of Talent Relations. The 73 year old now works for AEW in a part-time announcing role.
At TNA Bound for Glory on October 12, Dudley retired from the ring with his last match being one final bout between The Dudleys and Hardys.
Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.
In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.