As noted before, WWE and TNA Hall of Famer D-Von Dudley had accused a former WWE higher-up of being racist towards him during his time in WWE during the Attitude Era. Dudley stated in an interview with VideoGamer.com this past October that this person had told him that they didn’t like him because of the color of his skin. Dudley later confirmed that this person was former WWE Head of Talent Relations and current AEW commentator Jim Ross. Ross responded this past December to the allegations against him denying it being true and claimed the alleged incident never took place.
Dudley released a new video on his official YouTube channel featuring him providing more details on the alleged racism incident involving Ross and stated that it took place at the WWE New York restaurant in 1999.
“It was at the WWE restaurant, the grand opening of it. We were mingling with some of the guests that were there. A lot of them were artists, musical artists, things like that. There were some actors and actresses that were there. WWE really rolled out the red carpet for this event.”
Dudley stated that he went to a private room at the restaurant where Ross later approached him and Bubba.
“He said, ‘You boys are doing really good, and this and that. I like you boys, I like you boys a lot. D-Von, I’m not too sure. The verdict’s still out on him. I’m not too sure how I particularly feel about this.’
And Bubba knew what he was getting at. So Bubba butts in and goes, ‘You know something, JR, regardless of what, D-Von’s a hard worker. He never gives this company any problems.
And JR continued, ‘Well, you know, I get that. That’s all good, but there’s just something about him. I’m not sure.’
And finally, that’s when it comes out. ‘He’s Black. I just don’t know. That’s my hiccup.’”
Dudley stated that Bubba attempted to interject again and told Ross that D-Von is a “good human being.” Dudley stated that Ross responded back stating:
“‘I’m not saying that he’s not, but I just don’t know. You know, because he’s Black and I just don’t know about that.’
I had to think about it. If I hit him, we’re going to lose our jobs. If I say something, I can lose my job. Because at that time, I didn’t think that I would be able to fight that. Again, I’m a little fish in a big pond.“
Dudley also stated that Ross was heavily intoxicated during the racism incident.
“Remind you though, when he said it he was extremely drunk. He was extremely drunk, slurring his words. But they say when you’re drunk, the truth comes out.”
Dudley also stated that a separate racism incident involving Ross against him took place in Indianapolis.
“And then the other incident was in Indianapolis, where myself, Dreamer, Bubba, Heyman, and Spike were sitting at the table.
And I think JR had just come in catering. He had just gotten out of a meeting, and he comes over. He says hello to everybody but me.
Paul pretty much called him out, says, ‘What? You don’t want to say nothing because what? Why don’t you want to say hello to D-Von? What’s wrong with D-Von? What, ’cause he’s Black?’
And JR went, ‘You’re damn right cause he’s Black, you’re damn right.
I don’t know if he got mad at that and that’s why he said what he said, because his ego got in the way or what have you. But that’s what was said.”
Dudley also stated that he never had any issues with other WWE executives regarding race including Vince McMahon and Michael Hayes. Dudley also stated that he holds no hard feelings for Ross over the alleged racism incidents.
Transcript h/t: F4WOnline.com

Tony Khan on How Final AEW Dynamite Episode of 2019 Led To A “Very Important Period Of Reflection” & Hangman Page and Will Ospreay Being Very Supportive of The Other for Their Match at AEW Double or Nothing 2025
AEW Dynamite Notes: New Dynamite Stage Debut, Jake Doyle Makes Surprise AEW Debut & Joins Don Callis Family, Andrade El Idolo Surprise Return Again, PAC Accepts Darby Allin’s Challenge, Kenny Omega’s Return & More for 1/14 Maximum Carnage 2026 Card, 1/10 Collision Card
Ren Narita vs. Aaron Wolf for NEVER Openweight Title and IWGP Tag Titles Matches Set for NJPW The New Beginning in Osaka 2026


![Backstage Update on Jake Doyle's AEW Debut & Signing [Update: Tony Khan Confirms Signing] Backstage Update on Jake Doyle's AEW Debut & Signing [Update: Tony Khan Confirms Signing]](https://www.tpww.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Jake-Doyle-540x304.jpg)

