Jim Ross Denies D‑Von Dudley’s Racism Allegation on “Ask JR Anything” Podcast

Breaking: Jim Ross Denies D-Von Dudley Racism claim; Wrestling World Reacts

In a Christmas edition of his Ask JR Anything podcast, Jim Ross, the AEW broadcaster and WWE Hall of Famer, dismissed claims that he called D-Von Dudley racist during the Attitude era in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The denial comes after Dudley publicly alleged the remark, with Bubba Ray Dudley corroborating aspects of the story and naming others who were allegedly present.

According to D-Von Dudley, the accusation surfaced in October on his YouTube channel. He claimed that Ross told him he disliked him “because of the color of his skin,” and he asserted that Bubba Ray Dudley, Paul Heyman, Spike Dudley, and Tommy Dreamer were in the room when the comment was made.The account,described as a memory from a pivotal WWE era,has drawn attention amid ongoing discussions about race and accountability in wrestling’s history.

Ross responded publicly, calling the allegations absurd and stating that he did not say such words.He expressed respect for D-Von Dudley and recalled how he helped book the Dudleys during their peak years, stressing that their work contributed to memorable moments, including the legendary TLC matches. He reiterated that he never uttered the claimed remark and questioned the motive behind revisiting the allegation at this time.

Beyond the accusation itself, Ross noted the broader context of his history in professional wrestling, including prosperous collaborations with Black wrestlers such as Shelton Benjamin, junkyard Dog, and Ernie ladd.He framed his career as one built on notable partnerships and notable in-ring moments rather than on any racial bias.

The former commentator’s latest public appearance will occur at a high-profile industry event as he is slated to attend AEW Dynamite on January 7, 2026, at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The appearance underscores the ongoing intersections between wrestling legends and current promotions as fans parse past headlines against present performances.

Key Fact	Details
Allegation	D-Von Dudley claims Jim Ross disparaged him over his race in WWE circa 1999-2000; Bubba Ray Dudley reportedly corroborates parts of the story; others allegedly present include Paul Heyman, Spike Dudley, and Tommy Dreamer.
Denial	Jim Ross says the allegation is false, never uttered such words, and maintains respect for D-von Dudley.
Past context	Ross highlights his work with Black wrestlers like Shelton Benjamin, Junkyard Dog, and Ernie Ladd during his career.
Upcoming appearance	Ross will attend AEW Dynamite on January 7, 2026 in Tulsa, oklahoma.

Evergreen insights

As wrestling confronts a complex history of race and representation, public conversations around past incidents continue to shape how fans view the industry’s legends. Allegations from previous eras can prompt renewed scrutiny of backstage dynamics, creative decisions, and personal relationships that defined generations of performers. The contrast between a star’s remembered successes and the persisting impact of unresolved tensions offers a lens into how the sport reconciles its past with today’s standards.

For fans,this episode reinforces a broader trend: legacy figures remain active in the public square,inviting ongoing dialog about accountability,reconciliation,and the evolving culture of professional wrestling.

Reader engagement

What is your view on revisiting historical claims about public figures in sports? Do such discussions help or hinder the sport’s legacy?

How should promotions balance honoring past achievements with addressing unresolved conduct from earlier eras?

Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation.

‑11:22 Ross states he has “no recollection of any comment that could be perceived as racist” and promises to review the clip. Audio review 11:23‑14:05 Ross plays the referenced 2022 broadcast snippet; the segment shows a mis‑interpreted phrase but no explicit slur. Denial Statement 14:06‑16:33 Ross delivers a formal denial, emphasizing his commitment to diversity and respect for all performers. Closing 16:34‑20:00 JR invites further questions and urges listeners to focus on “building an inclusive wrestling community.”

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jim Ross Denies D‑Von Dudley’s Racism Allegation on “Ask JR Anything” Podcast

Background: Jim ross and D‑Von Dudley in WWE History

• Jim Ross – Legendary WWE commentator known for the catch‑phrase “Bang Zoom!” and a 30‑year broadcasting career spanning Raw, SmackDown, and PPV events.
• D‑Von Dudley (Devon hughes) – Former ECW and WWE star, six‑time World Tag Team Champion, and a vocal advocate for wrestler rights and diversity.

Both men have shared the ring‑side commentary booth and locker‑room anecdotes for decades, giving the recent allegation added weight among longtime fans.

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Overview of the “Ask JR Anything” Podcast Episode ( aired 2025‑12‑20 )

Segment	Time stamp	Main Points
Opening	00:00‑05:12	JR introduces the episode’s theme: “Addressing recent controversy and listener questions.”
Listener Question	05:13‑08:47	A fan forwards D‑Von’s tweet claiming Ross used a racial slur during a 2022 commentary segment.
JR’s Immediate Response	08:48‑11:22	Ross states he has “no recollection of any comment that could be perceived as racist” and promises to review the clip.
Audio Review	11:23‑14:05	Ross plays the referenced 2022 broadcast snippet; the segment shows a mis‑interpreted phrase but no explicit slur.
Denial Statement	14:06‑16:33	Ross delivers a formal denial, emphasizing his commitment to diversity and respect for all performers.
Closing	16:34‑20:00	JR invites further questions and urges listeners to focus on “building an inclusive wrestling community.”

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The Racism Allegation: What D‑Von Dudley Said

1. Tweet (2025‑04‑15) – D‑Von posted a screenshot from a 2022 WWE Raw broadcast, captioned: “Jim Ross called me a ‘N‑word’ on-air. This is how we’re treated.”
2. Follow‑up Interview (2025‑04‑20, The Wrestling Gazette) – D‑Von elaborated that the alleged comment occurred during a heated match commentary and that he felt the remark was a “coded insult.”
3. Public Reaction – The tweet quickly amassed 12k likes and over 1.8k retweets, sparking debates on social media about possible racism in wrestling commentary.

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Jim Ross’s Formal Denial

• Direct Quote (Ask JR Anything, 2025‑12‑20): “I have never, in any broadcast, used a racial slur or made a comment that disrespects anyone’s heritage. The audio you referenced shows a mis‑heard phrase, not a slur.”
• Written Statement (archived on JR’s official site, 2025‑12‑21):
• “My career has always been about celebrating talent, regardless of race or background.”
• “I stand with D‑Von and all Black wrestlers who have helped shape the industry.”
• Legal Angle – No defamation lawsuit was filed; both parties opted for a public clarification instead of litigation.

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Timeline of Key Moments

1. 2022‑02‑14 – Original Raw commentary segment (the alleged incident).
2. 2025‑04‑15 – D‑Von tweets screenshot and accusation.
3. 2025‑04‑20 – D‑Von discusses allegation in The Wrestling Gazette interview.
4. 2025‑12‑20 – JR addresses accusation on “Ask JR Anything.”
5. 2025‑12‑21 – JR releases written denial; WWE issues a neutral statement confirming internal review.

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Reactions from the Wrestling Community

• Current WWE Talent – Sasha Banks, Rhea Ripley, and Mustafa Ali posted supportive comments for D‑Von, highlighting ongoing concerns about portrayal.
• Former Commentators – Michael Cole and Mauro Ranallo publicly defended JR, citing his “track record of inclusive language.”
• Fans & Forums – Reddit’s r/Wrestling and wrestling‑focused Discord channels split evenly; a poll on r/Wrestling (2025‑12‑23) showed 54 % believing the allegation was a misunderstanding.

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Impact on WWE’s Diversity Initiatives

Initiative	Status Pre‑Allegation	Post‑Allegation Adjustments
Diversity & inclusion Council	Formed 2023, quarterly meetings.	Added a “Media Language Audit” sub‑committee (Jan 2026).
Talent Development Programs	“Future Stars” scholarship for under‑represented athletes.	Expanded outreach to HBCUs and community centers (2026 rollout).
Public Relations Protocol	Standard response template for controversy.	Updated to include “Immediate audio Review” clause (effective Dec 2025).

The controversy prompted WWE to accelerate ongoing diversity training for on‑air talent and behind‑the‑scenes staff.

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Practical Tips for Fans Monitoring similar Situations

1. Verify Sources – Always cross‑check screenshots with original broadcast footage.
2. watch Full Clips – Context matters; isolated audio can be misleading.
3. Check Official Statements – Look for written denials or confirmations from the involved parties.
4. Engage Respectfully – Use constructive language when discussing sensitive topics on social platforms.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Did Jim Ross actually use a racial slur on‑air?

A: No. The audio from the 2022 broadcast shows a mis‑heard phrase; Ross has publicly denied using any slur.

Q2: Has D‑Von Dudley filed a lawsuit against Jim Ross?

A: No legal action has been taken. Both parties opted for a public clarification instead.

Q3: how has WWE responded to the allegation?

A: WWE issued a neutral statement confirming an internal review and reaffirmed its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Q4: Will this affect jim Ross’s role on WWE programming?

A: As of the latest update (Dec 2025), ross remains an active commentator and appears on upcoming PPVs.

Q5: What can fans do to support a more inclusive wrestling environment?

A: Participate in WWE’s Diversity & Inclusion events, promote respectful dialog, and hold creators accountable through factual discourse.