AEW Wrestler Jon Moxley Sued for Negligence, Assault, and Battery: What it Means for the Wrestling World
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and its star wrestler, Jon Moxley, find themselves embroiled in a legal battle. A production crew member, Christopher Dispensa, has filed a lawsuit against both Moxley and AEW, alleging negligence, civil assault, and battery stemming from an incident that occurred on the May 10, 2023, episode of AEW Dynamite. This legal action has sent ripples through the wrestling community, raising questions about on-the-job safety, liability, and the balance between scripted performance and real-world consequences.
The Alleged Incident: A Screwdriver, a Shove, and a Lawsuit
The incident in question took place during a steel cage match between Jon Moxley and Kenny Omega on AEW Dynamite in Detroit. Dispensa, who was contracted to provide services to Broadcast Service Group, which supplies crew for AEW, was positioned ringside to hand Moxley a screwdriver. According to the lawsuit, while the plan was for Moxley to grab the screwdriver, he allegedly deviated from the script by shoving Dispensa to the ground.
Dispensa claims that this unplanned shove resulted in severe neck and shoulder injuries, requiring cervical fusion surgery, shoulder surgery, and ongoing medical treatment. He further alleges that he has not worked for AEW since December 5, 2024, and was demoted by Broadcast Service Group to a carpenter without explanation.
The Legal Claims: Negligence, Assault, and Battery
Dispensa’s lawsuit asserts several legal claims against Moxley and AEW:
- Negligence: The lawsuit alleges that AEW failed to provide a safe working environment for its crew members and that Moxley acted negligently by deviating from the planned script and shoving Dispensa. It suggests AEW demonstrated a reckless disregard for the safety of production staff. The complaint also accuses AEW of negligence in hiring and training Moxley.
- Civil Assault and Battery: Dispensa’s legal team argues that Moxley’s actions constitute civil assault and battery. They claim that by shoving Dispensa, Moxley either intended to cause harm or, at a minimum, demonstrated a complete disregard for whether harm would result.
Dispensa’s Demands
Christopher Dispensa is seeking compensation for damages, including medical expenses, disability, lost wages and earning capacity, pain and suffering, and exemplary damages for mental and emotional distress. The lawsuit claims that the amount in controversy exceeds $25,000.
AEW’s Response and Industry Reaction
AEW has offered no official comment on the pending litigation. However, multiple high-level sources within AEW have reportedly disputed the lawsuit’s characterization of Moxley, describing him as a respected “locker room leader” with no history of disciplinary issues.
The wrestling world has reacted with a mix of concern and speculation. Some industry observers believe that if Dispensa can prove that the shove was unplanned and that his injuries directly resulted from the fall, he may have a strong case. Others emphasize that there are always two sides to every story and that the legal proceedings will need to run their course.
Legal Concepts Explained
To understand the lawsuit, it’s helpful to define the key legal terms involved:
- Negligence: In personal injury law, negligence occurs when a person or entity fails to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to another person. To prove negligence, the plaintiff (Dispensa, in this case) must demonstrate that the defendant (Moxley and/or AEW) owed him a duty of care, that they breached that duty, and that their breach directly caused his injuries.
- Assault: In civil law, assault is defined as an intentional act that creates a reasonable apprehension of immediate harmful or offensive contact. It’s important to note that assault doesn’t necessarily require physical contact; the threat of contact is sufficient.
- Battery: Battery is defined as intentional harmful or offensive contact with another person without their consent. Unlike assault, battery requires actual physical contact.
Potential Implications for AEW and the Wrestling Industry
This lawsuit could have significant implications for AEW and the broader professional wrestling industry:
- Increased Scrutiny of On-the-Job Safety: The case may lead to increased scrutiny of safety protocols and risk management practices in professional wrestling. Promotions may need to re-evaluate their procedures for protecting crew members and other non-wrestlers involved in events.
- Talent Liability: The lawsuit raises questions about the extent to which wrestlers can be held liable for injuries that occur during performances. While wrestling is inherently physical and involves a degree of risk, this case could establish new precedents for when a wrestler’s actions cross the line into negligence or intentional harm.
- Insurance Costs: A ruling against AEW could lead to higher insurance premiums for the promotion and potentially for the wrestling industry as a whole.
- Reputational Damage: Regardless of the outcome of the lawsuit, the negative publicity surrounding the case could damage AEW’s reputation and potentially affect its ability to attract fans and sponsors.
The Importance of Legal Counsel
Anyone involved in a personal injury incident, whether as the injured party or the potentially liable party, should seek legal counsel as soon as possible. A personal injury attorney can:
- Evaluate the merits of the case
- Advise on legal rights and options
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Represent clients in court
The Bottom Line
The lawsuit against Jon Moxley and AEW highlights the inherent risks involved in professional wrestling and the importance of prioritizing safety for everyone involved in putting on a show. As the legal proceedings unfold, it will be crucial to monitor the case for its potential impact on AEW, its talent, and the wrestling industry.