D-Von Dudley Slams Racist Vince McMahon Segment As “Disgusting For Business”

D-Von Dudley has opened up about one of WWE’s most controversial moments involving a racist remark made by Vince McMahon, and his reaction remains as strong now as it was at the time.

Speaking in an interview with DJ Vlad, the WWE Hall of Famer addressed a segment involving Vince McMahon at Survivor Series 2005 that drew significant criticism. During the backstage skit, Vince McMahon appeared alongside John Cena before telling him to “keep it up” and using a racial slur. The camera then cut to Booker T and Sharmell, who reacted with visible shock on screen.

Reflecting on the segment, D-Von Dudley described it as “absolutely wrong,” revealing that it led him to step away from watching WWE for a period of time. At the time of the segment, Dudley and his longtime tag team partner Bubba Ray Dudley had already departed WWE and were working with TNA Wrestling.

D-Von Dudley Criticised Vince McMahon Using A Racial Slur Due To The History Of Racism In The Wrestling Business

D-Von Dudley also pointed to the wider context of the wrestling industry, noting the history of racism and discrimination made the moment even more troubling. Referencing a well-known WWE phrase, he added that the segment was not “best for business,” instead calling it “disgusting for business.”

The segment resurfaced in public discussion years later, particularly in 2015, when WWE faced accusations of hypocrisy following its decision to part ways with Hulk Hogan over the use of racial slurs. In response at the time, WWE defended the segment, stating:

“It was an outlandish and satirical skit involving fictional characters, similar to that of many scripted television shows and movies.”