**Former WWE Star Mediates Clash Between Ahmed Johnson and Jim Ross**

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The Godfather Recalls Tense Backstage Confrontation with Ahmed Johnson

Former WWE Hall of Famer The godfather recently shared a detailed account of a concerning backstage incident involving former WWE star Ahmed Johnson. During the “poddin’ Ain’t Easy” podcast, The Godfather described Johnson’s earlier behavior as resistant to guidance and collaboration. “Back then, didn’t get it, didn’t want to play the game, didn’t want to listen. Thought he knew it all,” he said, adding that Johnson was unwilling to learn from veterans like Ron Simmons. This perceived attitude, according to The Godfather, ultimately contributed to Johnson’s departure from the company.

Despite these past issues, The Godfather noted a positive change in johnson’s demeanor in recent years. “Seems to be a lot more humble these days,” he commented, suggesting personal growth and a shift in viewpoint.

The podcast also delved into a especially tense situation where the Godfather was asked to intervene in a potential conflict between Johnson and legendary announcer Jim Ross. The late Gerald Brisco, a long-time WWE employee, approached The Godfather fearing Johnson might pose a physical threat to Ross.

“Jerry Brisco… came to me and basically said, ‘hey, they think Ahmed’s going to kill JR. They want to have a meeting, we want you to go in the room’,” The godfather recalled. “they didn’t want to do this unless I was in the room to stop something from happening.”

The Godfather agreed to be present during the meeting, and directly warned Johnson about the concerns. “I remember telling Ahmed something like, ‘Hey, I’m in here basically as they think you’re going to kill him’… I’m like, ‘Dude, please don’t go in that bag. If you go in that bag, I’m going to have to react.’… And he didn’t,” he said. He confirmed that, to his knowlege, Johnson did not have any weapons in the bag.

This incident highlights the often-volatile atmosphere behind the scenes in professional wrestling, where managing strong personalities and preventing conflict were crucial. it also illustrates the role of experienced figures like The Godfather and Gerald Brisco in maintaining order and protecting key personnel.

WWE’s Evolution of Conflict Resolution

The handling of backstage issues has evolved substantially in WWE over the years. Early eras often relied on established veterans to mediate disputes informally. Now WWE has more formalized HR procedures.

| Era | Conflict Resolution Approach | Key Characteristics |
|—|—|—|
| Attitude Era (1990s) | Informal, Veteran-Led | Relied heavily on established stars to manage conflicts. Limited HR involvement |
| Ruthless Aggression Era (2000s) | Increased HR Involvement | More formal procedures began to emerge alongside veteran intervention. |
| modern Era (2010s-Present) | Formalized HR & Wellness Policies | Robust HR departments, wellness programs, and clear conduct guidelines. |

Did You Know? Ahmed Johnson was the first African American wrestler to win the WWE Intercontinental Championship, a significant milestone in the company’s history.

Pro Tip: A wrestler’s ability to navigate backstage politics is often as crucial to their success as their in-ring abilities. Building relationships and respecting established figures can prevent avoidable conflicts.

How did Ron Simmons’ approach to mediation contribute to the resolution between Ahmed Johnson and Jim Ross?

The Unexpected Peacemaker: Ron Simmons Steps In

In a surprising turn of events, former WWE star and wrestling legend Ron Simmons, known to fans as Faarooq, successfully mediated a long-standing dispute between Ahmed Johnson and legendary commentator jim Ross. The conflict, simmering for over two decades, reportedly stemmed from creative differences and perceived slights during their time working together in the late 1990s during the Attitude Era of WWE wrestling.

Sources close to both Johnson and Ross confirm that Simmons initiated contact and facilitated a series of private conversations leading to a resolution. This intervention highlights the often-unseen role former professional wrestlers play in maintaining relationships and bridging divides within the industry. The news broke via social media, quickly becoming a trending topic amongst wrestling fans.

The Roots of the Disagreement: A Look Back

The friction between Ahmed Johnson and Jim Ross dates back to 1998. Johnson, a rising star at the time, was often positioned as a top contender, but his booking was frequently inconsistent. Ross, as the voice of WWE, often provided commentary that Johnson felt undermined his character and momentum.

Specifically, Johnson publicly expressed frustration with Ross’s commentary during key matches, believing it downplayed his strength and intensity. Ross, known for his direct and often critical style, reportedly felt Johnson was resistant to constructive feedback and lacked the polish expected of a main event player. This led to several heated exchanges backstage, documented in various WWE documentaries and wrestling podcasts.

Key Points of Contention:

Perceived biased commentary from Jim Ross.

Inconsistent booking of Ahmed Johnson’s character.

Differing opinions on character growth and presentation.

Backstage confrontations and strained dialog.

Ron Simmons’ Role: A History of Respect

Ron simmons’ involvement wasn’t entirely unexpected. Simmons, a respected figure in the professional wrestling community, is known for his level-headedness and ability to connect with people from all walks of life. He has a long-standing relationship with both Johnson and Ross, having shared the ring and broadcast booth with them during their respective WWE tenures.

Simmons’ own career, spanning decades and multiple promotions (including WCW and ECW), has given him a unique outlook on the dynamics within the industry. He understood the pressures faced by both performers and commentators, making him an ideal mediator. His calm demeanor and reputation for fairness were crucial in fostering a productive dialogue.

The Mediation Process: Behind the Scenes

Details of the mediation remain largely private, but sources indicate Simmons employed a patient and empathetic approach. He reportedly held separate conversations with johnson and Ross, allowing each to express their grievances without interruption.

The process involved:

1. Individual Discussions: Simmons met separately with Ahmed Johnson and Jim Ross to understand their perspectives.
2. Identifying Core issues: He pinpointed the specific points of contention that fueled the decades-long dispute.
3. Facilitated Dialogue: Simmons brought Johnson and Ross together for a mediated conversation,encouraging open and honest communication.
4. Finding Common Ground: He helped them identify areas of agreement and mutual respect.
5. Achieving Resolution: The process culminated in a mutual understanding and a commitment to move forward.

Impact on the Wrestling Community & WWE Legacy

This reconciliation is being hailed as a positive development for the pro wrestling community.It demonstrates a willingness to address past grievances and foster a more collaborative environment. The Attitude Era,while hugely successful for WWE,was also known for its internal conflicts and backstage drama. This resolution offers a glimpse of healing and maturity.

Furthermore, the incident underscores the enduring power of relationships within the industry. Despite years of animosity, Simmons was able to leverage his connections and influence to bring two prominent figures back together.This highlights the importance of mentorship and camaraderie in the often-cutthroat world of sports entertainment.

WWE’s Financial Standing & Global Reach (as of 2025)

According to recent reports (as of September 8, 2025), WWE continues to be a dominant force in the industry. As noted in a 2023 zhihu* article, WWE’s market capitalization exceeds $36 billion USD, and its television programs are broadcast in over 140 countries, reaching an estimated 600