In the wake of Hulk Hogan’s death, the wrestling world has been split between paying tribute and resurfacing past controversies. WWE Hall of Famer D-Von Dudley addressed the backlash during an appearance on the Duke LovesRasslin podcast, defending Hogan’s legacy while acknowledging the complexity of his past. D-Von didn’t hold back, delivering a strong statement in defense of Hogan, whom he credits with shaping the modern wrestling industry. While D-Von made it clear he understands the hurt caused by Hogan’s infamous remarks, he also emphasized the importance of forgiveness and reflection – and he did so without sugarcoating anything.
Here’s what the Tag Team Legend had to say:
“All those people out there saying negative things now that Hogan is no longer with us, take a look at yourself in the mirror. What have you done in life that everybody could be proud of? What have you done that nobody would take offense to? You can’t say you’ve never done anything wrong. We’re all guilty in one way, shape, or form of saying or doing something inappropriate.
I’m not condoning what happened or what was said at his lowest point – listen, I’m African-American. I get it. If anybody gets it, we, as African-American people, get it. But at the same time, you cannot deny what this man has done for this business. If it wasn’t for Hulk Hogan, there would be no WWE, no AEW, no TNA – none of this. We wouldn’t even have this platform we’re using right now. We’re able to stay relevant in this business because of that man. The wrestling business is hot right now, hotter than it’s been in a long time. In my opinion, it never would have reached this level if Hogan hadn’t done what he did back in the ‘80s. Our world would probably be completely different.
I refuse to go on social media and say anything because of the negative hate I’ve seen from some people still living in the past, focusing on what he said or did. Was Hulk Hogan a stand-up person all the time? Maybe not. Are we all? No. We’ve all done things in our lives we’re not proud of, but we want forgiveness. Bubba said it best: when someone commits murder, gets convicted, and serves 25 or 30 years in jail, they’re given a new start when they get out – a new lease on life. Hogan never got that. Some say his remarks, when they were made public, didn’t show enough remorse.
There were two separate occasions where Hogan actually saved my career. I get it, I understand why you’re hurt by it. I was hurt by it. But like the Bible says, forgive. ‘Because if you don’t forgive your brother, I will not forgive you.’ That’s exactly what the Bible says. He apologized to me. He pulled me aside and said, ‘D-Von, I’m not that type of person. I’m not.’ He said, ‘But they’re killing me on social media. They’re making me feel like I am. I know I might have said or done things in the past.’ Then he said, ‘Brother, I love you.’ And you know what? He didn’t have to tell me that. He didn’t have to pull me aside and say that, but he did.
In his world, if you really think about it – and I’m not taking anything away from myself – I’m a nobody compared to what this man has done. He didn’t have to do that with me, but he did. He said, ‘D-Von, I love you, brother. I love and respect everything you’ve done, how you’ve gotten yourself out of this hole, and no matter how many times they try to knock you down, you keep getting up.’ He said, ‘I have so much respect for you.’
You know what kills me and hurts me? I’m not going to name any names. If you’re listening to this, you know who you are. You sat there and buried this man for the comments he made. Yes, I get it. But I know these same people have done things that, if brought to light, the fans – or rather, people in general – would not be happy with. You’d probably be put in the same boat as Hogan. Yet you buried him when he was here. I understand you were upset, but now that he’s dead, it’s like you’re being hypocrites. I’m not just talking about people in the industry – I’m talking about people in general.
You’re being hypocrites about it. Don’t say good things about him now that he’s gone. Try to reflect on how you felt and why you couldn’t let it go. One of the biggest things a counselor will tell you is that, in order to heal, you have to let go. You have to let go. Because if you don’t, the hate in your heart will consume you.”
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