All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and its reigning world champion, Jon Moxley, are facing significant legal trouble as a new lawsuit alleges civil assault and battery stemming from an incident during a May 2023 AEW Dynamite broadcast in Detroit. The Jon Moxley lawsuit civil assault and battery allegations have been filed in Michigan by Christopher Francis Dispensa, a contractor who was working backstage at the Little Caesars Arena when the alleged event took place.
Incident During AEW Dynamite Prompts Legal Action
According to documents filed and first reported by Sports Illustrated, the lawsuit lists both AEW and Jon Moxley, also known as Jonathan Good, as named defendants. The plaintiff, Christopher Francis Dispensa, worked as a contractor through a third-party company for AEW, performing production duties during the event in question.
Dispensa claims the incident occurred during a steel cage match between Moxley and fellow AEW wrestler Kenny Omega on May 10, 2023. He was given the task of holding a screwdriver, which Moxley was due to take from him for an in-ring segment. However, the suit alleges that Moxley strayed from the agreed script at the critical moment, resulting in a physical altercation.
“unexpectedly deviated from the planned script by placing his hands on Plaintiff’s face and shoulder and violently shoving Plaintiff to the ground.”
—Unsourced, court document
As outlined in the complaint, the interaction went far beyond what Dispensa anticipated and was not part of the show’s choreography or planning. The incident is said to have been captured on video during the live television broadcast at the time stamp of approximately 3:52.
Reported Injuries and Plaintiff’s Claims
The legal action states that the altercation caused severe injuries to Dispensa, requiring cervical spine surgery and shoulder surgery, among other ongoing medical interventions. In addition to the detailed surgeries, Dispensa asserts that the event led to other significant health complications requiring extensive treatment.
“other serious injuries that necessitate significant medical treatment.”
—Unsourced, court document
The lawsuit holds Moxley and AEW accountable, with six counts enumerating both direct and indirect responsibilities. The claims cover negligent hiring and supervision on AEW’s part, civil assault and battery against Moxley individually, as well as charges of general and gross negligence involving both defendants. Additional counts focus on premises liability, and the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, which holds employers liable for actions performed by employees in the course of their work.
Damages Sought and Potential Consequences
Dispensa is seeking a wide range of damages through the court, including reimbursement for medical expenses, compensation for disability and permanent disfigurement, loss of wages and future earning capacity, pain and suffering, and mental anguish. The complaint also requests exemplary damages for emotional stress, humiliation, and harm to reputation, with the potential for further economic and non-economic damages to be determined at trial. The request for judgment also includes a call for costs, interest, and any relief deemed appropriate by the court under Michigan law.
The outcome of this case could have serious ramifications for both Moxley and AEW, potentially influencing internal conduct standards at wrestling events and the liabilities of entertainment companies towards contracted workers. As details continue to emerge, industry observers and wrestling fans await further updates on the progress of this case in the Detroit courts and possible responses from Jon Moxley, AEW, or their representatives.
