Lawsuit Against WWE & AEW Over Plagiarism Gets Second Chance

WWE has faced a plethora of legal issues over the years, and that is not stopping. Now, it appears that they have not totally rid themselves of one legal issue, because it has been re-filed.

PW Insider reports that the lawsuit against WWE and AEW, which was initially dismissed on November 3rd, 2023 in the United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio, Youngstown, has been re-filed on January 10th by Anthony Duane Wilson. The new lawsuit mirrors the original one and accuses both companies of “plagiarism, market damages, product damages, personal damages, and financial damages.”

Wilson alleges that WWE and its contractors used his creative works without permission, infringing on his wrestling gimmicks, names, slogans, and likeness. These claims also include AEW, and he wants action to be taken.

In the filing, Wilson claims WWE and AEW are still using his infringing works without giving him credit or proper compensation. He states that these actions have caused him market, product, personal, and financial damages, affecting his career and reputation.

Wilson seeks control of AEW, removal of stolen works, a public apology, and a financial settlement for damages. The initial dismissal was due to neither defendant being served within 90 days of the lawsuit being filed in August 2023.

The dismissal was without prejudice, which allowed Wilson to re-file the lawsuit. Now, he has re-filed that lawsuit to give it another try. We will have to see if he is successful.

Keep checking back with us here at Ringside News for more on this story and so many more in the pro wrestling world. You never what can break next, especially with so many legal situations going around.

What’s your take on this new legal situation? Let us know what you think in the comments section!