The federal judge overseeing Christopher Dispensas lawsuit against Jon Moxley and All Elite Wrestling just gave AEW a major ultimatummake your ownership public, or this case is going back to state court.
In a five-page order issued on July 29, 2025, Judge Matthew F. Leitman denied AEWs motion to keep a critical affidavit under seal. That affidavit outlines who owns AEWs parent company, Beatnik Investments, LLC. AEW tried to keep the information private, claiming public disclosure could lead to identity theft, AI fraud, or affect the companys assets and liabilities of ownership. The judge wasnt buying it.
The court gave AEW until August 5, 2025 to refile the affidavit unredactedmeaning all the names and ownership details must be visible to the public. If they dont, the case will be sent back to Michigan state court, where it originally began.
AEW previously moved the case to federal court in early July, citing diversity of jurisdiction and damages exceeding $215,000. Dispensas lawsuit stems from a May 2023 incident at AEW Dynamite in Detroit, where he claims Moxley violently shoved him during an unscripted moment in a match with Kenny Omega. He alleges the shove caused severe neck and shoulder injuries that required cervical fusion surgery. AEW and Moxley are both accused of gross negligence and assault.
As part of AEWs effort to prove the case belongs in federal court, they submitted an affidavit from the general counsel of Beatnik Investments, redacted to conceal the names of two trusts that allegedly control AEW. Public records suggest those trusts are connected to Tony Khan and his mother, Shanna Khan. The judge found the redactions unacceptable.
So whats next? AEW can either put its cards on the table and name its ownersalmost certainly the Khan familyor face the risk of litigating this case under state law with potentially less favorable outcomes. AEW has until August 5 to decide.
What do you think about the judges decision? Should AEW be forced to reveal its full ownership structure? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
