WWE Hall of Famer D-Von Dudley has stepped up to defend rising WWE Evolve star Aria Bennett, who recently exposed the racist hate sheâ€s been receiving on social media. Bennettâ€s post brought attention to the ugly side of online fandom—and D-Von is making sure people donâ€t look the other way.
On the Duke Loves Rasslin podcast, D-Von reacted to Bennettâ€s post, praising her for speaking up and calling out fans who continue to spread hate toward wrestlers, particularly women and people of color. He said the issue goes far beyond one person—itâ€s something that affects the entire wrestling community.
“These fans gotta get a grip. If that were your mother, if it was your sister, you know, a very close cousin, a family member that you loved to death was being treated like this, you wouldnâ€t like it. So why do it to other people? You just wouldnâ€t like it.â€
Bennettâ€s story struck a nerve with D-Von, who recalled the tragic story of Hana Kimura, the Japanese wrestling star who took her life in 2020 after being cyberbullied following her appearance on Terrace House.
“There was a young lady about a couple of years ago, Japanese superstar, that committed suicide because something happened. I canâ€t remember what it was, but the fans got involved and they started terrorizing this young lady and making her feel a certain way where the lady took her life.â€
He condemned the lack of accountability for people who send abusive messages online, saying the damage caused by cyberbullying can last a lifetime.
“There is no repercussions from that. There is no policing that will help people out that are being bullied or what have you. And for the fans to just go and do that, I think itâ€s disgusting.â€
D-Von also reminded listeners that wrestlers are human beings who make mistakes, and that the pedestal fans place them on often leads to unfair judgment and ridicule.
“You may not want to hear what your superstar that you love and honor does, but again, like I said, weâ€re all human. We all make mistakes.â€
D-Von sent a message of encouragement, urging her to stay strong through the hate and never lose faith in herself.
“If sheâ€s doing that, then God bless her, man. Stay strong. Because theyâ€re only going to try to tear you down. And if they do, keep God first on everything and you wonâ€t lose. You wonâ€t be alone. I promise you.â€
D-Vonâ€s words were more than just support—they were a call for change. The wrestling veteran made it clear that fans need to show empathy instead of cruelty, and that the industry has to protect its performers from hate that goes beyond the ring.
D-Von Dudleyâ€â€s defense of Aria Bennett shines a light on a problem too many wrestlers face in silence.
Do you agree with D-Von that fans need to take responsibility for their words online? How should wrestling promotions handle racism and harassment directed at their talent? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation.
Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.
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