AEW and Jon Moxley are now at the center of a civil lawsuit filed by a production crew member who says he was injured during a segment gone wrong on AEW Dynamiteand hes accusing Moxley of assault and the company of gross negligence.
According to Sports Illustrated, the lawsuit was filed May 30, 2025, in Wayne County Circuit Court by Christopher Dispensa, a longtime production hand who worked on AEW events through Broadcast Service Group. Dispensa says he suffered serious injuries during the May 10, 2023 episode of Dynamite in Detroit, during a violent cage match between Moxley and Kenny Omega.
Dispensa claims Moxley shoved him unexpectedly while grabbing a screwdriveran action he says was not part of the plan.
He alleges the push led to neck and shoulder injuries severe enough to require cervical fusion and shoulder surgery. His lawyers are accusing both AEW and Moxley of gross negligence, and say AEW shouldve taken precautions to protect its crew from talent going off-script. The lawsuit also attempts to paint a pattern of risk, claiming AEW management shouldve known better.
But multiple AEW sources familiar with Moxleys career told SIs The Takedown that they are unaware of any disciplinary history and insisted hes widely respected, calling him a locker room leader.
Dispensa says he never filed an official incident report, but told ringside physician Dr. Michael Sampson, director of performance psychology Chris Manzione, and a member of the athletic training staff about the injury that night. He alleges he was told later that AEWs training staff would not treat him furtherand the incident was never formally addressed.
The lawsuit says the amount in controversy exceeds $25,000 and covers claims for medical costs, permanent disability, wage loss, emotional distress, humiliation, and damage to reputation. AEW declined to comment, saying AEW does not comment on pending litigation.
Jon Moxley, who is still AEW World Champion, is scheduled to defend his title against Hangman Adam Page at AEW All In on July 12. A status conference for the lawsuit is set for August 29.
Do you think AEW is liable for what happened backstageor should Moxley be the one answering for it? Drop your thoughts in the comments and tell us where you stand on this developing story.
