Was Jim Ross racist to D-Von Dudley during his time in WWE? On October 17, 2025, the WWE Hall of Famer shared his experience with racism in the wrestling industry during a podcast episode on his YouTube channel, D-Von Dudley, after Bully Ray asked him if he had ever had to deal with racism in his pro-wrestling career. Check out the clip below:
D-Von doesn’t say names, but gives the most obvious clues ever about who was racist to him BAH GAWD pic.twitter.com/2K2knU6pdK
— GRIM: Leader of BELT FEDERATION (@GrimsToyShow) October 19, 2025
He mentioned that he did not experience it in ECW, but can’t say the same in WWE, where certain top executives’ behavior made him feel disrespected. He said,
I experienced it in WWE, you know. I experienced it with certain top officials, who I don’t really want to go and say any names because I feel. Well, you know, I’m just going to say it like this, you know. You know, I didn’t wear a 10-gallon hat or anything.
Maven Huffman, who was also present at the show, quickly chimed in, saying, “Go Sooners.” The two words seemed innocent at first, but they are closely associated with Jim Ross, who happens to be an Oklahoma native and the biggest fan of the Oklahoma Sooners (via ESPN).
Though D-Von Dudley did not react to the chant, Bubba Ray, turning to the corner with wide eyes, suggested a possibility. Dudley continued his story about how he was taken aback by people discriminating against him because of the “color” of his skin, when he had proven himself time and again in the squared circle.
D-Von Dudley’s Alleged Racism Accusations Against Jim Ross Divide the WWE Universe
The kayfabe world of wrestling is filled with action-packed matches and some hilarious moments that led to them. At the same time, it also features some sickening controversies and lawsuits filled with racism, featuring its biggest stars. As a result, when D-Von Dudley shared his harrowing experience in WWE, he dropped some indirect hints about the person who subjected him to racism.
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Hence, when he mentioned how he does not wear a “10-gallon hat,” fans were certain that it was JBL, the prime suspect behind it. But Huffman’s subtle hint and Bully Ray’s hilarious reaction have convinced the community that Jim Ross is the one who could be behind it. Check out what the fans think:
His face is priceless when Maven yells “Go Sooners” 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/zYhDVLVTlx
— E.K. Johnson (@CoalitionHoops) October 19, 2025
I totally thought JBL but “the Sooner” comment gave it away.
— Christiana (Christy) (@mysterybluemoon) October 20, 2025
It could be Gerald Brisco, but I could believe JR unfortunately
— Michael D May (@TheMaysCPA) October 20, 2025
Only reason Dwayne reached the top was cause of that Samoan lineage. If he were fully black, I don’t know if he becomes what he is today. It’s insane but not surprising that WWE had that kinda stuff happening even in the 90s.
— himbo panthers fan (@VICKAMANIA_) October 20, 2025
Unless he says a name, it doesn’t matter. Speak on it or don’t say anything at all.
— ProfessorLiquid MA 🌊🎙️ (@FormlessLiquid) October 20, 2025
With D-Von Dudley keeping the name under wraps, fans are calling out Ross for treating the wrestler, who had entertained them for so long before they chose to retire last week after an emotional loss against The Hardy Boyz, so horribly.
D-Von Dudley Explains Why He Chose Not to Retaliate Against Racism
In a separate appearance on Maven Huffman’s YouTube channel, where they were reacting to the most racist moments of the wrestling promotion brand. During the video, he shared how he encountered racism in WWE when they the company in 1999. He clarified three names of suspicion: Vince McMahon, John Laurinaitis, and Michael Haynes.
However, there were certain individuals who told him to his face that they did not like him because of his skin complexion and that they couldn’t trust him enough. He said,
The person said, ‘You know, you didn’t like me cuz I was Black,’ and told Bubba, you know, started off by saying you know, ‘Bubba, you know, you’re a good guy. I like you. I like you a lot, but D-Von, I don’t know. D-Von’s a good guy, he’s like, ‘Yeah, but he’s black, you know.’
He recalled how those words from the individual made him clench his fist in anger and how his partner, Bubba Ray Dudley, had to grab him because he was “p**sed,” but any form of retaliation or unwanted confrontation could have jeopardized their future in the company, as he acknowledged the same in the episode, bringing out the much-less talked about aspect of WWE.
With D-Von Dudley still refraining from name-dropping the person who had been racist towards him, do you think he is working with WWE? Let us know in the comments below!
