Jim Ross breaks silence regarding claims of racism from D-Von Dudley
In October of 2025, WWE Hall of Famer D-Von Dudley stated that he experienced racism in WWE from “certain top officials” but didn’t mention specific names. While speaking to Duke LovesRasslin, D-Von clarified his remarks…
“Okay. Did I come out and say ‘Ten Gallon Hat’? Yes. Did Maven let the cat out of the bag? Yes. Was it JR [Jim Ross]? Yes, I did have a problem with JR back then. And I didn’t know why. I’m not angry at the man today. I know the man is going through some health problems, some health issues, you know, and just to show you where I am and the place that I’m in—I pray that God can heal his body.”
While JR did not immediately address the claims of racism, the subject was later brought up during a Q&A that was published on his YouTube channel on December 25th. JR’s co-host, Conrad Thompson, played a clip of D-Von Dudley discussing the allegation and then said the following:
“Jim, I’ll give you a chance to respond. Well, it’s alleged that you said, ‘I don’t like you because of the color of your skin.’”
Here was JR’s response…
“That’s so absurd, it doesn’t merit a response.
I like D-Von. I like him today. I hired he and Bubba. I thought we did a good job of booking them. They made money. They were put in situations where they could do the things they do best. Those TLC matches were pieces of art — they’ll last forever. The Dudleys are a major part of that.
Bubba — I know Bubba for sure, because I was involved in the booking of that stuff. And I don’t know, I was shocked to hear that, because I don’t recall ever having a cross word with D-Von Dudley. I always respected him and his work. I love the Dudley tag team.
It took me totally off guard. I never said that to D-Von Dudley. And why he would conjure up that — I guess to get attention. Maybe he’s not as happy with his post-wrestling life as Bubba is, because Bubba’s made a tremendous success of himself as a broadcaster and still works.
So, I never said that. I wish it had not happened. Some people, I’m sure, are still going to believe it, and that’s their prerogative. But I’m not angry at D-Von. I’m just curious and don’t understand why he went there. I just don’t get it.”