D-Von Dudley’s Stand Against Racism in Wrestling
WWE Hall of Famer D-Von Dudley has become a leading voice against racism in professional wrestling, following recent social media attacks targeting EVOLVE and NXT star Aria Bennett[1]. On a recent episode of the Duke Loves Rasslin podcast, D-Von did not mince words when addressing the toxic behavior of certain fans, calling for accountability and empathy in the wrestling community[1].
“These fans gotta get a grip. If that were your mother, if it was your sister, a very close cousin, a family member that you loved to death was being treated like this, you wouldn’t like it. So why do it to other people?” Dudley implored listeners[1]. His remarks directly responded to Bennett’s decision to publicly share screenshots of racist messages she received—including explicit use of the N-word and remarks about her appearance—highlighting the persistent issue of abuse aimed at women and people of color in the industry[2][3].
Aria Bennett’s Courage in the Spotlight
Aria Bennett, a talented and promising wrestler with a growing fanbase, has been sidelined in recent months due to an ACL injury, but her return to social media was driven by a desire to expose the hate she and others face[4]. On October 30, 2025, Bennett posted screenshots of abusive messages, emphasizing that her experience is far from isolated: “Some of us experience racism but we try our best to ignore it. Plenty more of these smh,” she wrote on Twitter[2][3].
Her posts immediately sparked support from fans and fellow wrestlers, including D-Von Dudley, who praised her bravery and recalled a similar tragedy: “There was a young lady about a couple of years ago, Japanese superstar, that committed suicide because something happened. I can’t remember what it was, but the fans got involved and they started terrorizing this young lady… and the lady took her life,” Dudley said, referencing the suicide of Stardom wrestler Hana Kimura in 2020 after relentless cyberbullying[1].
The Bigger Picture: Racism and Harassment in Wrestling
The incident involving Aria Bennett is not an anomaly. Wrestling, like many forms of entertainment, has long struggled with racism, sexism, and harassment, both within the locker room and in the wider fan community. The advent of social media has only amplified these issues, providing a platform for both support and abuse. “The fact that this kind of behavior still exists in 2025 is unacceptable. We have to do better as a community,” a WWE insider told us, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the topic[1].
The wrestling industry has made strides in recent years to promote diversity and inclusion, but the Bennett controversy illustrates how much work remains. According to sources close to the WWE production team, there is a growing internal emphasis on protecting talent when they report harassment—but as D-Von noted, it’s the fans who must also take responsibility for their actions[1].
What Can Wrestling Promotions Do?
Promotions such as WWE and EVOLVE are increasingly being challenged to establish stronger safeguards for their talent, both online and off. “We’re seeing more behind-the-scenes discussions about how to better protect our wrestlers from abuse, but there’s also a recognition that platforms like Twitter and Instagram need to do more,” the WWE insider said[1]. “Wrestlers like Aria Bennett are putting their bodies on the line for our entertainment—no one should have to deal with this level of hatred, especially when they’re injured and focusing on recovery.”
Wrestling journalists and analysts are also urging companies to take proactive steps, such as banning repeat offenders from live events, improving moderation on official social media platforms, and providing mental health support for talent facing abuse.
The Fans’ Role and Community Reaction
The reaction among wrestling fans has been mixed. While a loud minority continues to engage in abusive behavior, a larger contingent has rallied around Bennett and other victims, expressing solidarity with the hashtag #StandWithAria and similar campaigns. “It’s important to remember that the majority of wrestling fans are good people who love this sport for the right reasons,” said Dave Meltzer in a recent Wrestling Observer Radio segment. “But when people cross the line, it’s up to all of us—fans, wrestlers, and management—to speak out and create real change.”
D-Von Dudley’s passionate commentary on the Duke Loves Rasslin podcast has resonated across the internet, serving as a call to action: “If we don’t stand up for each other, who will? We can’t let hate define what wrestling is—we have to be better than this.”[1]
The Human Cost of Online Hate
Aria Bennett’s openness about her experiences is a stark reminder of the emotional toll online harassment can take. Despite her injury, Bennett is using her platform to fight stereotypes and discrimination, refusing to let abuse go unanswered[3][4]. “Laughter really is medicine,” she wrote in a recent Instagram story about her recovery, showing resilience in the face of adversity[4].
Her stance, however, comes at a personal cost. According to someone close to Bennett’s EVOLVE team, “She’s a fighter, but even the strongest people are affected by this stuff. The fact that she’s willing to speak out is a testament to her character, but it also shows how much she believes in the wrestling community.”[3]
Industry Leaders Respond
WWE has not made an official statement regarding Bennett’s social media posts, but according to a source close to the creative team, there is internal pressure to address the issue publicly and demonstrate support for its talent. “The company is in a tough spot. They want to protect their wrestlers, but they also have to be mindful of not alienating fans. Still, silence isn’t an option when it comes to racism,” the source said.[1]
Other wrestling organizations, including EVOLVE, have also reportedly held briefings with their roster on how to handle online abuse and what support is available. There is a growing consensus that talent should not have to tolerate harassment as “part of the job.”
What’s Next for Aria Bennett?
Bennett’s injury—a torn ACL suffered earlier this year—means her immediate focus is on rehabilitation and recovery[4]. But her social media posts suggest she’s not stepping away from the spotlight; instead, she’s shaping the conversation around racism and resilience in wrestling[2][3]. Her story is inspiring other wrestlers to speak out about their own experiences with discrimination, sparking a broader debate within the industry.
“This is just one chapter in the story,” Bennett wrote in her Instagram update after surgery[4]. “Right now, it’s about healing, trusting the process, and coming back stronger mind, body, and spirit.”
Wrestling’s Crossroads: Can the Community Change?
The sport of professional wrestling is at a crossroads. The controversy surrounding Aria Bennett and the response from D-Von Dudley highlight a growing movement within the industry to confront its issues with racism and online harassment. WWE Hall of Famer Booker T recently commented on the situation privately, telling colleagues, “We have to keep pushing for change, not just for the business, but for the people who make it what it is,” according to backstage sources.
The wrestling world must reckon with the simple truth D-Von Dudley articulated: “If it were your family, you wouldn’t like it.” Now, it’s time to act—not just with words, but with real policies, support, and a community-wide commitment to rooting out hate, both in the ring and online[1].
SEO Meta Perspective
For wrestling fans searching for the latest on racism in WWE, Aria Bennett’s story, or D-Von Dudley’s reactions, this incident serves as a pivotal moment in the ongoing conversation about diversity and inclusion in sports entertainment. By addressing these issues head-on, the wrestling industry has an opportunity to set a standard not just for athletes and entertainers, but for fans worldwide.
Conclusion
Aria Bennett’s courage and D-Von Dudley’s leadership are a wake-up call. The wrestling industry must do better—for its talent, its fans, and the future of the sport. Racism and harassment have no place in the squared circle, online, or anywhere else. It’s time for everyone—from fans to wrestlers to executives—to join the fight and show that wrestling is for everyone.