On May 30, 2025, Christopher Dispensa, a production crew member, initiated legal action against All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and wrestler Jon Moxley, whose real name is Jonathan Good. The lawsuit alleges civil assault, battery, and negligence, with Dispensa being represented by Raitt Law, PLLC.
Dispensa claims he was injured during a match featuring Moxley against Kenny Omega on the May 10, 2023 episode of AEW Dynamite at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. According to the allegations, a scripted sequence called for Moxley to take a screwdriver from Dispensa; however, Moxley reportedly deviated from the script and forcefully pushed Dispensa to the ground, causing significant injuries that necessitated surgical intervention. Video evidence of the incident is available on AEW’s YouTube channel.
“Plaintiff held the screwdriver for Defendant MOXLEY to take from his hand, as intended and scripted. Upon receiving the item and without warning, explanation or prior discussion, Defendant MOXLEY unexpectedly deviated from the planned script by placing his hands on Plaintiff’s face and shoulder and violently shoving Plaintiff to the ground. Plaintiff sustain extensive injuries as a result of this violent and unscripted assault, ultimately culminating in surgical procedures of CERVICAL SPINE SURGERY, SHOULDER SURGERY plus other serious injuries that necessitate significant medical treatment,” the lawsuit states.
The negligence claim further highlights Moxley’s purported history of disciplinary issues, which AEW is said to have been aware of prior to the incident.
“Upon information and belief, Defendant MOXLEY had a history of disciplinary issues before this incident involving other people while under Defendant AEW’s employ, agency and/or contractual relationship. The past disciplinary offenses by Defendant MOXLEY include a documented history of unpredictability as well as a lack of control by Defendant AEW, all of which were known or should have been known to Defendant AEW at the time of this assault…Defendant AEW’s negligence was a proximate cause of Plaintiff being seriously injured, suffering a CERVICAL FUSION SURGERY, SHOULDER SURGERY, back radiculopathy, plus other injuries to other parts of his body, currently known or unknown, some or all of which interferes with his enjoyment of life and experiencing great pain and suffering.”
However, various high-ranking AEW sources familiar with Moxley’s history deny any knowledge of previous disciplinary issues, insisting that he is widely respected by both peers and management within the organization.
The lawsuit also elaborates on Moxley’s alleged negligence, claiming he acted without regard for Dispensa’s safety: “By going off-script and violently shoving Plaintiff, who was only a crew member, to the ground, Defendant MOXLEY demonstrated a substantial lack of concern for whether a severe injury would result to a production crew member at the event. Defendant MOXLEY’s actions demonstrated a clear and reckless disregard for the health and safety of the production staff, Plaintiff.” The suit argues that AEW’s inaction reflected a similar disregard for crew safety.
According to additional details shared by The Takedown on SI, Dispensa contends that AEW’s upper management was aware of the incident; however, he did not formally discuss it with them. While he did meet with AEW founder Tony Khan and General Counsel Chris Peck regarding potential employment after the incident, he acknowledged that he never mentioned the injuries sustained. Dispensa’s attorney noted that although he did not file an official report that night due to having to return to another job, he did inform three individuals about the injuries at the time.
Dispensa’s legal team further indicated that AEW’s ringside doctor, Michael Sampson, was reportedly present during the incident and expressed concern, emphasizing that all stunts involving interactions from outside the ring need prior approval. Following the incident, Sampson advised Dispensa to consult the AEW training staff, but the matter seems to have been disregarded afterward.
Dispensa’s representation stated he was eventually informed that he would no longer receive treatment from the AEW training staff, and that the incident was not acknowledged again. It was also mentioned that Dispensa and Moxley did not have subsequent discussions regarding the incident after it occurred.
In response to inquiries about the lawsuit, an AEW spokesperson commented that “AEW does not comment on pending litigation.”
Dispensa is seeking damages that encompass medical costs, disability, permanent disfigurement, lost wages, pain and suffering, mental and emotional distress, as well as other economic and non-economic damages yet to be identified.
Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.