When WWE did their first brand extension (or roster split) in May 2002, it led to some changes for a lot of characters in the company. For the Dudley Boys tag team, which was a very successful duo, it led to a split. Bubba Ray was on Raw while D'Von was drafted to Smackdown. D'Von debuted on Smackdown under the new character name of Reverend D'Von. He was billed as the "spiritual advisor" for Vince McMahon at various points. Since he always said the word "testify" as part of the Dudley Boys act, it made sense that they would try out a gimmick like this him. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcgrPyHNkOw In the early days of the gimmick, Devon would start his matches by delivering a sermon as he talked about being a righteous man. Of course he was a heel because any time somebody goes to the ring to call the audience sinners he's going to get booed. What was also significant about Devon's persona was that he had a new character debut with him: Deacon Batista. The Deacon part would eventually be removed and Batista would go on to become a main eventer within three years after his debut. The Reverend D'Von character lasted a few months until later in 2002 when the Dudley Boys reunited when WWE realized that the two men were better together at that point in their careers.
John wrote at WhatCulture from December 2013 to December 2015. It was fun, but it's over for now. Follow him on Twitter @johnreport. You can also send an email to mrjohncanton@gmail.com with any questions or comments as well.
