Country Jamboree television show. Dudley managed several wrestlers, including Bobo Brazil. Prior to Brazil's matches, Dudley excited the crowds by waving a towel while running to the ring. He also managed such wrestlers as Bearcat Wright, Sailor Art Thomas, and Sweet Daddy Siki. Over time, Dudley's role with the company diminished and he ceased working for them; the company's operations were moved to Connecticut, and Turner's Arena was demolished. Shortly before McMahon's death in 1984, he told his son, Vincent K. McMahon, who had taken over control of the promotion (then known as the WWF), "Whatever else you do, you take care of James Dudley." After Vincent J. McMahon's death, Dudley was put back on the company payroll at age 74 and subsequently received several gifts from Vincent K. McMahon to show appreciation for Dudley's contributions to the company. Dudley has been described as an "important cog" in the company, and McMahon once stated that "had there been no James Dudley, the WWF possibly wouldn't exist as it does today". Dudley continued to feel a sense of loyalty to the McMahons and their promotion. Dudley was inducted into the WWF Hall of Fame class of 1994 by Vincent K. McMahon. Dudley's final appearance with the company came during the January 3, 2002 episode of SmackDown! . According to the storyline, Stephanie McMahon was banned from the MCI Center. In an attempt to get past security, she pushed Dudley in a wheelchair but was still refused entrance. Following the scene, Dudley left the wheelchair, walked to his seat, and watched the show. Personal life Dudley continued to live in Washington, D.C. after retiring from professional wrestling. He had 38 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, and 16 great-great-grandchildren. Dudley died of natural causes on June 1, 2004 at the age of 94. Awards and accomplishments World Wrestling Federation WWF Hall of Fame (Class of 1994) References External links 1910 births 2004 deaths Chauffeurs Professional wrestling executives Professional wrestling managers and valets Baltimore Elite Giants players WWE Hall of Fame inductees 20th-century African-American sportspeople 21st-century African-American people Baseball catchers Baseball players from Baltimore