Recent developments in the pro wrestling world have brought the Jon Moxley AEW lawsuit incident into the spotlight, as former WCW World Champion Vince Russo publicly supported cameraman Chris Dispensa after a serious injury allegedly occurred during AEW Dynamite in 2023. The matter centers on a lawsuit filed by Dispensa against Moxley and AEW, following an accident that led to neck surgery and significant changes in Dispensa’s career.
Background of the AEW Lawsuit and Incident
All Elite Wrestling, also known as AEW, has experienced remarkable growth and popularity since its start in 2019. However, at the end of May 2025, the promotion faced legal challenges when Chris Dispensa, formerly part of the production crew, brought forward a lawsuit. The lawsuit arose from an incident during a 2023 episode of AEW Dynamite, where Jon Moxley, during a match with Kenny Omega, pushed Dispensa, leading to a hard and dangerous fall for the cameraman.
Vince Russo, who previously wrote for WCW and WWE, expressed unwavering support for Dispensa’s claims. He emphasized on Sportskeeda’s The Wrestling Outlaws that Dispensa is known for his professionalism and not for seeking financial gain through legal actions. Russo explained that Dispensa was not a direct employee of AEW but worked through a freelance company, and after the injury, Dispensa’s job role shifted significantly within his company.
“The first thing I was thinking was money grab. But when I heard it was Chris Dispensa, no way. It’s funny, bro, because there’s more to the story than that, bro. First of all, he’s not an employee of AEW. He works for a freelance company. And when this happened, and I guess he was trying to come to some kind of an agreement with AEW. The company that he works for kind of downgraded him to like a carpenter or something. So, you know, bro, he had to get [a] neck fusion.”
Russo also revealed that this was not a minor issue and that significant medical consequences followed the accident.
“Like he had to get surgery from this. So obviously, you know, there’s a lawsuit involved. He’s going to have to show all the paperwork, but bro, he had to get surgery for this. So this was a legitimate shoot. He is not a money-grab kind of guy whatsoever,” Russo added. [From 7:03 onwards]
Chris Dispensa’s Industry Experience and Career Shift
Chris Dispensa is regarded as a veteran within the professional wrestling production space, having worked alongside figures like Vince Russo during key periods in wrestling history. Before the unfortunate incident, he contributed to AEW events as a contractor under Broadcast Service Group, with a steady involvement in high-profile matches and broadcasts.
Following the incident during AEW Dynamite, Dispensa’s position within Broadcast Service Group reportedly changed, with him being reassigned to the role of a carpenter—which marked a substantial career shift. The demotion occurred despite Dispensa’s long-standing involvement in the wrestling industry, which increased the gravity of the lawsuit’s consequences and highlighted the physical and professional risks backstage personnel can face.
Although the lawsuit was formally initiated in May 2025, AEW has not yet issued an official statement in response to the allegations. The broader wrestling community is watching the case closely, as it may influence how safety protocols and employment contracts are handled for independent contractors and backstage crew members in the future.
Importance of the Lawsuit for AEW and Industry Standards
The Jon Moxley AEW lawsuit incident brings attention to the sometimes overlooked dangers faced by production crew in live wrestling performances. With a respected industry figure like Vince Russo validating Dispensa’s reputation and the severity of his injury, the situation raises questions about workplace safety, freelance employment practices, and the responsibilities promotions hold towards all personnel involved in their events.
This case’s outcome may set a precedent for how similar situations are managed, influencing both AEW’s response to accidents and the broader standards applied across wrestling organizations and broadcast service providers. As proceedings continue, the wrestling world and fans remain attentive to any new developments, given the potential impact on both individuals and industry protocols.
