D-Von Dudley Reveals Origin of His Wrestling Name

WWE Hall of Famer D-Von Dudley has achieved a lot throughout his legendary wrestling career, with his first breakthrough coming in ECW. Many fans have been curious about the origin of his iconic wrestling name, and D-Von has now shared the story behind it.

While speaking on The Wrestling Life podcast, D-Von Dudley revealed how he got his pro wrestling name and character. Paul Heyman discovered him, with Tommy Dreamer and Taz approving him during his tryout at the ECW training facility.

At the time, D-Von was using the name A-Tran, which was randomly given to him at wrestling school. When he met Paul Heyman, Paul asked for his real name. D-Von told him, and Paul suggested the name “D-Von Dudley,” which he agreed to right away.

“Paul was the one that discovered me. In terms of Tommy Dreamer and Taz, they were the ones who gave the okay to Paul when I was at the ECW training facility trying out. They gave the thumbs up. When I met Paul for the first time at the wrestling school, I was using the name A-Tran. It was a name given to me without any rhyme or reason, just something to call me. It kind of flowed, so I went with it.

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When I got to the ECW studio and met Paul Heyman, he asked, ‘What’s your name?’ I thought he forgot, so I said, ‘D-Von.’ He replied, ‘How about D-Von Dudley?’ I just said, ‘Okay.’ I wasn’t about to tell him no.”

Paul Heyman then asked about his character, and D-Von said there wasn’t much meaning behind A-Tran—it was just a name given to him because he reminded someone of another wrestler. Paul wanted to know more about D-Von’s background and asked him about his life.

When D-Von mentioned he was a pastor’s son, Paul Heyman was interested. He also asked D-Von about his favorite movie. D-Von said it was Rocky III because he loved Mr. T, and Paul asked him to do a Mr. T impression. D-Von did it, and Heyman was impressed.

“Paul then asked me about my character. I explained there was no real reason behind it. Johnny Rodz had just decided to call me A-Tran because I reminded them of a kid who had been there before with that name. Paul listened and then asked me, ‘Tell me about your background.’ I told him about my parents and everything, and then he said, ‘What’s your favorite movie?’

I told him Rocky III, and he asked why. I said, ‘Because of Mr. T.’ He seemed intrigued and asked, ‘Can you do a Mr. T impression?’ I told him I could and had been doing it for years. He put me on the spot, saying, ‘Let me hear it.’ So, I did it, and Paul was shocked. He said, ‘Wow, you sound just like Mr. T.’

Paul Heyman then told D-Von to watch Pulp Fiction, especially Samuel L. Jackson’s character Jules. After watching the movie, D-Von called Paul back to say he loved it. Paul explained that his new wrestling persona would mix Mr. T and Jules from Pulp Fiction.

Heyman asked if D-Von could quote scripture, and D-Von recited several Bible verses on the spot. Paul loved the idea and told him to include scripture in his promos and always use the word “testify.” That’s how the D-Von Dudley character was born, thanks to Paul Heyman’s creative vision.

“Then he asked if I had ever seen Pulp Fiction. I said no, so he told me, ‘Go home, watch it, and pay special attention to Samuel L. Jackson’s character, Jules. Then call me and let me know what you think.’

I went home, watched the movie, and loved it. I called Paul back and asked why he wanted me to focus on Samuel L. Jackson’s character. He said, ‘Because that’s going to be your character. You’re going to combine Mr. T with Jules from Pulp Fiction.’

Paul asked if, as a pastor’s son, I could quote scripture if needed. I said, ‘Absolutely.’ He told me to give him one on the spot, so I did. Then he asked for another, and another. He said, ‘Okay, sold. That’s your character.’

Paul then told me to start studying the character and to use the word ‘testify’ in every promo. He said, ‘I don’t care if it doesn’t make sense where you put it—just use the word testify.’ And that’s how D-Von Dudley was born. That’s the genius of Paul Heyman.”

D-Von Dudley clearly had an iconic career alongside Bubba Ray Dudley and it likely wouldn’t have happened without Paul Heyman’s influence, so he will always remain grateful to Heyman no matter what and that’s unlikely to change anytime soon.

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