Jon Moxley named in AEW civil assault lawsuit has drawn attention after a production crew member, Christopher Dispensa, filed a civil claim alleging that both Moxley and All Elite Wrestling are responsible for an incident during a live event. The legal case was initiated following a May 10, 2023, episode of AEW Dynamite in Michigan, where Dispensa claims he sustained significant injuries backstage.
Civil Case Filed Against AEW and World Champion
The civil lawsuit, first revealed by The Takedown on SI, identifies both AEW and Jon Moxley as defendants. Christopher Dispensa, employed via Broadcast Service Group since 2019, alleges that he has not worked for AEW since December 5, 2024. According to his legal filing, negligence is claimed against both the wrestling organization and its World Champion, with accusations of civil assault and battery directed at Moxley.
Details of the Alleged Incident
The center of the dispute surrounds a segment during the Dynamite episode, featuring a cage match between Kenny Omega and Jon Moxley. During the match, the altercation left the ring area, and Moxley reportedly seized a screwdriver from Dispensa, a crew member, and physically shoved him. Dispensa alleges this unscripted action caused severe neck and shoulder injuries, ultimately requiring cervical fusion surgery and additional procedures for other injuries.
Legal documents state Moxley was only supposed to take the screwdriver from Dispensa without any physical contact. However, the lawsuit asserts Moxley deviated from the planned script, arguing that this amounted to an intentional harm or disregard for Dispensa’s safety. The filing further claims Moxley had been subject to previous disciplinary actions involving other individuals prior to this occurrence.
The complaint states,
at a minimum, a complete disregard for whether harm was a result.
—Filing
Accusations of Negligence Against AEW
Dispensa’s complaint also levels accusations of gross negligence at AEW itself, contending that the organization failed to take steps to ensure backstage crew safety and lacked protocols to prevent such incidents. The lawsuit points to AEW’s responsibility for properly controlling and training its agents, performers, and contracted individuals, highlighting management’s alleged failure to supervise or prevent scenario deviations.
The suit argues that upper management at AEW was aware of the incident but never addressed the matter directly with Dispensa. His legal team noted he refrained from reporting the injury, as he had work commitments elsewhere. Nonetheless, he did discuss the issue with AEW’s Dr. Michael Sampson, Chris Manzione, and members of the athletic training staff.
In the aftermath, according to Dispensa, Dr. Sampson was frustrated by the situation, as all out-of-ring physical interactions were supposed to have his approval beforehand. Dr. Sampson reportedly insisted that Dispensa be checked by AEW’s medical staff, but after initial evaluations, the staff informed him they could no longer provide treatment, and the matter was left unresolved. The lawsuit documents that neither Dispensa nor Moxley engaged in substantial conversation about the incident following a brief encounter after the match.
Damages and Broader Implications
Dispensa seeks over $25,000 in damages through this litigation, encompassing medical expenses, disability, permanent and serious disfigurement, wage loss, capacity for future earnings, and pain and suffering. The claim goes further, listing demands for exemplary damages due to mental and emotional distress, humiliation, or indignity, as well as diminished business reputation, along with other potential economic and noneconomic harms under Michigan law.
Currently, AEW has not issued any statement in response to the lawsuit. The situation raises important questions regarding backstage safety protocols, the responsibilities of professional wrestling organizations, and the obligations they owe to crew and performers alike. With Jon Moxley, a central figure in the wrestling world, and AEW both named, the outcome of this civil suit may influence policies within the wrestling industry as discussions continue around workplace safety and accountability.
