The Dudley Boyz are renowned as pioneers of tag-team wrestling and are often considered one of the greatest tag teams of all time. The team was composed of kayfabe half-brothers Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley, along with other family members, notably Spike Dudley.
They are also well-known for their stints in TNA, ECW, and WWE, where they are credited with revitalizing tag-team wrestling during the Attitude Era. They hold the record for being the most decorated tag-team champions ever. Recently, news broke that they signed a WWE Legends contract, a recognition they truly deserve.
D-Von reveals backstage racism from front office member
Over the years, WWE has employed talent who have been involved in racist incidents, such as Hulk Hogan, Michael Hayes, and Vince McMahon, on several occasions. During an interview with Good Karma Wrestling, D-Von Dudley shared his experience, saying, ‘I remember entering certain locker rooms where there were individuals who didn’t care if it became public how they were treating you. There was a prominent figure in WWE, someone from the office, who openly expressed his dislike for me because I was black. He did this on two occasions.’
He does go on to say that this incident didn’t really have a significant impact on the illustrious careers that The Dudley Boyz would go on to have, and he holds no remorse for it. However, it’s important to note that such incidents, which would not be tolerated nowadays, used to happen regularly in the early 2000s.
‘Bubba was there with me on one of those occasions, and on the second one, he was joined by Paul Heyman, Tommy Dreamer, and Spike. To this day, I have no respect for, nor do I like this individual. I won’t name him here, but I have no affinity for him, so I just keep my distance from him,’ Dudley added.
WWE has also faced accusations of hesitancy in putting the World Title on its black wrestlers. With Triple H now in a prominent role within the company, it is hoped that such behavior is no longer tolerated.
Dudley Boyz reportedly signed a “Legends contract” with WWE
WWE has wrestlers signed to Legends contracts who made a name for themselves in WWE and remain prominent figures within the industry. The Dudley Boyz recently signed such a contract, ensuring income from merchandise sales, video game appearances, and even guest appearances on WWE television.
The Dudley Boyz were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018, and their induction was conducted by none other than The Hardy Boyz and Edge and Christian, with whom they revolutionized the tag-team division. They have won 24 championships throughout their careers in various companies, earning them the title of the most decorated tag team of all time.
Bubba has also been featured on Impact Wrestling lately, so it will be interesting to see how the Legends contract will affect his work in Impact Wrestling. Everyone who grew up watching wrestling remembers Bubba Ray Dudley shouting, ‘GET THE TABLE!!’ and putting their opponent through it. They have had an iconic run over the past two decades, and their Legends contract is entirely justified.
Who would you have Dudley Boyz at their peak face from the current tag-team division? Do share your ideas in the comment section.
