🔥 Jim Ross Fires Back at Shocking Racism Claim: “I Never Said That—Ever”
Jim Ross isn’t staying silent anymore. The legendary WWE Hall of Fame announcer has forcefully denied recent accusations made by D-Von Dudley, calling the claims not only false—but completely baffling.
JR Breaks His Silence
Back in October, D-Von Dudley alleged that during their WWE run around 1999–2000, Jim Ross told him he disliked him because of the color of his skin. Bubba Ray Dudley backed up D-Von’s story, with D-Von claiming Paul Heyman, Spike Dudley, and Tommy Dreamer were present during the alleged incident.
The accusation sent shockwaves through the wrestling world—but Ross says the story simply isn’t true.
Speaking during a Q&A on the latest episode of Grilling JR, Ross explained that health issues delayed his response. Once he heard the allegation, however, he was stunned.
“Recently I heard that D-Von Dudley thought I was a racist,” Ross said. “That’s so absurd. It doesn’t even merit a response—but here we are.”
“I Hired Them. I Believed in Them.”
JR didn’t just deny the claim—he laid out why it made no sense.
Ross reminded fans that he personally hired The Dudley Boyz, believed in their talent, and helped put them in positions to succeed. Under his watch, the Dudleys thrived, headlining legendary TLC matches that still define tag team wrestling today.
“I liked D-Von then, and I like him now,” Ross said. “We booked them well. They made money. Those TLC matches were pieces of art—and the Dudleys were a huge part of that.”
According to Ross, he doesn’t even recall having a heated exchange with D-Von at any point.
“I was totally taken off guard. I never said that to D-Von Dudley. Ever.”
JR Questions the Timing—but Holds No Grudge
While clearly hurt by the allegation, Ross stopped short of attacking D-Von personally. Instead, he expressed confusion about why the claim surfaced so many years later.
“Some people will still believe it, and that’s their right,” Ross admitted. “I’m not angry. I’m just curious why he went there. I don’t understand it.”
Ross even suggested—carefully—that differences in post-wrestling careers might play a role, noting Bubba Ray Dudley’s success as a broadcaster.
A Career Built on Respect
To further shut down the accusation, Ross pointed to his long history of working closely with—and advocating for—Black wrestlers throughout his career, including Shelton Benjamin, Junkyard Dog, and Ernie Ladd.
“I valued those relationships,” Ross said. “They mattered to me.”
Despite everything, JR made it clear he still respects D-Von Dudley.
“I’m glad we worked together,” Ross said firmly. “But I never uttered those words.”
JR Still Going Strong at 73
Now 73, Jim Ross remains active in the wrestling business. He’s currently signed with AEW, providing commentary for select pay-per-view events, and is scheduled to appear when AEW visits his home state of Oklahoma on January 7.
Even decades into his career, this controversy clearly hit close to home—but JR’s message couldn’t be clearer:
He flatly denies the accusation—and says the truth matters more than ever.
