Following a video that accused a former WWE higher-up of racism during the Attitude Era, D-Von Dudley has finally confirmed that the person in question was Jim Ross.
Dudley addressed the situation on his YouTube channel earlier this month, speaking with Bubba Ray and Maven without naming the employee, though he did heavily hint at the identity by speaking with a Southern accent and mentioning ten-gallon hats.
With speculation circulating on who was involved, the former WWE Tag Team Champion confirmed it was not Vince McMahon, Michael Hayes, John Laurinaitis, or Pat Patterson, stating that WWE as a company has been great to him and helped him put a roof over his head during his career.
Talking about the issues he had with Ross, Dudley said:
Was it JR? 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.
And just to show you where I am and the place that I’m in, I pray [that] God, you know, can heal his body. But was I disappointed with that man when he said the things he said to me back then? Yes I was.
Ross, who worked for WWE as a commentator and Head of Talent Relations, now works for AEW in a part-time announcing role.
Dudley has made it clear that he has forgiven Ross for the incident (which took place on two separate occasions), adding:
I have not talked to him. When I see him, I don’t say anything to him. Because not once has he come to me and apologized for the things that he said. And he might say he don’t remember, that’s fine…
I don’t hold any ill feelings towards the man. Again, I won’t forget. But I do have to forgive him. And whether he wants to be, you know, stubborn about it or what have you, that’s on him. But my heart of hearts is letting it go.
Source: F4WOnline