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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?

Former WWE Star Mediates Clash 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.

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.

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

To what extent did Vince McMahon prioritize generating controversy over maintaining the integrity of Owen Hart’s character?

The Godfather Suggests Vince McMahon’s Owen Hart Move Aimed To Provoke Anger Among White Fans

The Controversial Shift & The Godfather’s Allegations

The 1997 Montreal Screwjob remains one of the most talked-about incidents in professional wrestling history. Though, a lesser-discussed, yet equally controversial, move by Vince McMahon shortly after involved Owen Hart. The Godfather (Mark Henry) has publicly suggested this move wasn’t about storyline logic, but a calculated attempt to generate heat – specifically, anger – from a particular demographic: white fans. This article delves into the details of the Owen Hart situation, The Godfather’s claims, the context of the era, and the potential motivations behind McMahon’s actions. We’ll explore the impact on WWE, professional wrestling, and the broader cultural landscape of the late 90s.

The Owen Hart Incident: A Timeline

Following the fallout from the Montreal Screwjob, were Bret Hart lost the WWF Championship under disputed circumstances, tensions were incredibly high. Owen Hart, Bret’s brother-in-law, was a popular and respected performer.

Here’s a breakdown of the key events:

1. Post-Screwjob Atmosphere: The wrestling world was in turmoil. Fans were deeply divided, and trust in McMahon was shaken.
2. Owen Hart’s Position: Owen, while not directly involved in the Screwjob, was sympathetic to Bret and publicly expressed his displeasure.
3. The Shift in Booking: Owen Hart was abruptly moved into a comedic, often humiliating, role. This included segments where he was portrayed as clumsy and inept, a stark contrast to his previous serious and skilled character.
4. The “Anti-It” Gimmick: Owen was paired with The Nation of Domination, a stable of African-American wrestlers led by The Rock. He was positioned as a reluctant,awkward member,often the butt of their jokes.This pairing was notably jarring for many fans.

The Godfather’s Claims: Provoking a Reaction

Mark Henry, known as The Godfather, has repeatedly stated that McMahon intentionally booked Owen Hart in this manner to elicit a negative reaction from white fans.His argument centers around the idea that McMahon wanted to create a situation where white fans would be outraged by Owen being associated with, and seemingly disrespected by, a group of Black wrestlers.

The core of The Godfather’s assertion is that McMahon saw an possibility to capitalize on racial tensions and generate heat for The Nation of Domination by making Owen the focal point of that tension. He believed McMahon understood the potential for backlash and actively sought it out. This is a meaningful claim,alleging a deliberate manipulation of racial dynamics for entertainment value. The term heel turn is often used in wrestling, but this was different – it wasn’t about owen becoming a villain, but about positioning him as a victim of racial dynamics.

The Context: Wrestling in the Late 90s & the Attitude Era

To understand the potential validity of The Godfather’s claims, it’s crucial to consider the context of the late 1990s, frequently enough referred to as the Attitude Era in WWE.

Edgy content: The Attitude Era was characterized by increasingly provocative and controversial storylines. Sex, violence, and pushing boundaries were commonplace.

Racial Dynamics: While WWE featured diverse performers, racial dynamics were often portrayed in stereotypical or problematic ways.

The Nation of Domination: This stable was groundbreaking for its time,showcasing Black talent and challenging traditional wrestling tropes. However, it also faced criticism for its portrayal of Black masculinity.

Competition with WCW: WWE was locked in a fierce ratings battle with World Championship Wrestling (WCW). McMahon was willing to take risks to gain an edge.WCW Monday Nitro was a constant threat.

This era was a breeding ground for controversy, and McMahon was known for his willingness to exploit any angle that would generate attention and boost ratings. The Monday night Wars demanded constant innovation, and sometimes, that innovation crossed ethical lines.

Analyzing McMahon’s Potential Motivations

Several potential motivations could have driven McMahon’s decision to book Owen Hart in this way:

Generating Heat for The Nation: As The godfather suggests, creating outrage among white fans could have elevated The Nation’s profile and made them more compelling villains.

Exploiting Existing Tensions: The Screwjob had already created a volatile atmosphere. McMahon may have seen an opportunity to exploit existing tensions and generate further controversy.

Shock Value: The Attitude Era thrived on shock value. The pairing of Owen Hart with the Nation was undeniably shocking and likely to generate buzz.

Testing Boundaries: McMahon was constantly testing the boundaries of what was acceptable in wrestling.This move could have been an attempt to see how far he could push the envelope.

Owen Hart’s contract Situation: While less emphasized, Owen Hart was also negotiating a new contract at the time. Some speculate this played a role in the booking decisions.

**Damage to Owen