AEW’s Jon Moxley is facing mounting legal challenges after a ringside incident during a May 10, 2023, episode of Dynamite, where he allegedly shoved crew member Christopher Dispensa, leading to injuries and subsequent surgeries. The Jon Moxley lawsuit over ringside incident with crew member has sparked controversy, drawing attention to the responsibilities of in-ring performers and safety protocols in AEW.
Details Surrounding the AEW Ringside Altercation
During the televised match against Kenny Omega, Moxley, holding the AEW World Champion title at the time, reportedly pushed Dispensa, who was at ringside but not participating as a wrestler. While situations involving non-wrestlers are typically rehearsed or at least communicated, witnesses claim this shove was not pre-arranged. Claims state that Dispensa, a crew member, suffered injuries severe enough to require surgery on his neck and shoulder—a development that has fueled ongoing debates among wrestling fans and insiders about workplace safety and liability.
The aftermath of the incident saw Christopher Dispensa initiate legal action against both Jon Moxley and AEW, citing unsafe practices and failure to ensure his well-being. The details, including reports of the surgeries Dispensa underwent, have intensified discussions on whether AEW provided enough protection for its staff and who should be held responsible when accidents happen in such a physical entertainment setting.
Industry Figures Voice Concern Over the Incident
The wrestling world has not remained silent about these developments. WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi criticized the circumstances that led to the injury, questioning why Dispensa was present at ringside without a clear role or equipment:
“Why would he be around the ring if he didn’t have a damn camera or anything? What is he producing out there with nothing? Obviously, he knows what the business is. He knows what the wrestlers do, in and out the ring (…) That’s what happened when you’re in the way of wrestlers. Get the hell out the way. You’re gonna get hurt,”
he said. —WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi
The view that ringside staff should exercise caution underscores a broader unease about adherence to safety standards within wrestling organizations, especially at high-risk, fast-paced events like AEW Dynamite.
Legal Experts and Veterans Analyze the Fallout
Veteran insights continued when Lance Storm, a respected former WWE star, offered his perspective, suggesting the legal case might weigh heavily against AEW and its president, Tony Khan. Storm noted that regardless of intent, there was clear misconduct in pushing a production team member:
“You can’t shove production people like that. So there’s definitely a wrong committed that’s probably going to cost them a lot of money. The bump did not look like requiring neck and shoulder surgery, but I’m presuming that he will have some medical records to back up his case,”
he said. —Lance Storm, Wrestling veteran
This assessment amplifies worries for All Elite Wrestling’s leadership, as potential financial consequences and reputational damage loom large, particularly with the prospect of Dispensa presenting medical records to support his claim.
What’s Next for Jon Moxley and AEW?
As the legal process moves forward, uncertainty surrounds the fate of Jon Moxley, Tony Khan, and AEW as an organization. The lawsuit has spotlighted broader concerns about oversight during live events, the roles of crew at ringside, and the protection of non-wrestling personnel. Wrestlers like Kenny Omega, as well as company veterans, have seen their actions and organizational protocols scrutinized as details emerge from the incident.
The outcome of this high-profile case will likely impact how wrestling promotions approach ringside safety and could lead to procedural reforms. For now, fans and industry insiders alike await further developments in the Jon Moxley lawsuit over ringside incident with crew member, with many looking for lessons that may safeguard crew members in the future and prevent similar incidents from recurring.
