Vince McMahon N-Word Use: D-Von Dudley Reveals Disgust & WWE Boycott

WWE Hall of Famer D-Von Dudley has publicly expressed his strong disapproval of a segment from a 2005 WWE Survivor Series event in which Vince McMahon used a racial slur. Dudley stated he was “totally disgusted” by the incident and even stopped watching WWE programming for a period of time as a result.

The incident occurred during a backstage segment featuring McMahon and John Cena, who was portraying a rapper persona at the time. McMahon used the N-word while complimenting Cena’s performance. Booker T was also present when the comment was made.

“I was totally disgusted by it when I saw it. I didn’t like it at all. At the time, I was in TNA, but I remember my head just dropping, you know, because at that time, shock TV—it felt like nobody could do shock TV anymore. Everything had already been done. I definitely feel that it was for shock value. I definitely feel that it was meant to get a reaction—and it did—but I don’t think it was the right reaction. I don’t think it was the reaction they thought they were going to get. Because again, in my opinion, to use that word in pro wrestling at all is wrong.”

D-Von Dudley via NoDQ.com

Dudley, speaking in an interview with DJ Vlad, elaborated on his reaction, stating the use of the slur felt like a step backward and was inappropriate for professional wrestling. He emphasized that the word carries a deeply hurtful history and has no place in the industry.

“So to use that word, you know, in this type of business, I thought it was absolutely wrong and I was offended by it to the point where I stopped watching WWE for a while. I just concentrated on TNA and what I was doing there. I’m sorry, but that type of stuff has no business in pro wrestling. You can create shock value in other ways, but to use a racial term like that—one that has been historically used to degrade Black people—I think it’s disgusting for business.”

D-Von Dudley via NoDQ.com

According to a report from Sportsarenaa.com, Dudley recalled feeling a sense of disappointment and disillusionment, questioning the values of WWE after witnessing the incident. He felt it contradicted the principles of respect and inclusivity he held dear.

The incident reportedly sparked debate within WWE’s talent relations department regarding the company’s approach to diversity and representation, as noted by Sportsarenaa.com. Dudley’s comments come years after the event, offering a perspective from a prominent figure in the wrestling world.

Good Morning Wrestling reported that Dudley discussed WWE’s most racist moments during a recent appearance on Maven’s YouTube channel, further detailing his dismay over McMahon’s use of the slur. He acknowledged the fear many wrestlers might have felt about confronting McMahon directly.

“I don’t know what to say about that. Luckily, I wasn’t in the company [TNA] during that time. I was in another organization, but damn.”

D-Von Dudley via Good Morning Wrestling

Dudley added that had he been under contract with WWE at the time, he would have directly confronted McMahon, stating that such language was unacceptable. He also expressed his personal discomfort with the use of the slur even within the Black community, referencing sentiments expressed by Malcolm X.

The incident continues to be a point of discussion within the wrestling community, highlighting the importance of sensitivity and respect in the entertainment industry. Dudley’s willingness to speak out underscores the lasting impact of the event and the need for continued dialogue on issues of race and representation in professional wrestling.