Why Tyrus Refuses to Appear on Dark Side of the Ring
Former WWE star and NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion Tyrus (real name George Murdoch) has been vocal about his strong opposition to Vice TV’s documentary series Dark Side of the Ring, which explores the tragic and controversial aspects of professional wrestling history. In a 2025 interview on TMZ Inside the Ring, Tyrus explicitly stated he would never participate in the show, even turning down multiple requests with blunt refusals.
His primary reasons boil down to a deep respect for wrestlers’ personal sacrifices and a disdain for the series’ focus on negativity:
- Unseen Sacrifices: Tyrus argues the show ignores the human side of wrestlers’ lives. “You don’t know what the sacrifices — you only see what’s in front of the camera,” he said. “You didn’t see these guys on pay phones trying to raise their families and keep their wives in their lives.” He believes highlighting only scandals and addictions disrespects the hard work and family struggles behind the glamour.
- Selective Negativity: He criticizes the program for cherry-picking “dark” stories while ignoring that substance abuse and personal issues were rampant across entertainment and sports in past eras. “It’s just so easy to pick on the wrestler, because we’re easy. Because we’re in front of you,” Tyrus noted, calling it unfair to single out wrestling.
- Broader Philosophy: Tyrus views the series as exploitative, stating, “There’s a dark side in everything,” but he refuses to contribute to narratives that “pick apart” the industry he loves.
Tyrus, now a Fox News contributor and retired wrestler, has emphasized protecting wrestling’s legacy. His stance aligns with other veterans wary of the show’s sensationalism.
This refusal highlights Tyrus’ protective loyalty to the business that made him a star—from his WWE days as Brodus Clay to his NWA title reign. While Dark Side of the Ring continues drawing viewers with its gritty tales, voices like his push back against what they see as one-sided storytelling.
