Man Suing AEW and WWE for Alleged Plagiarism Lawsuit Now Incarcerated

The professional wrestling industry is known for its ever-changing landscape and the challenge of maintaining originality in storylines, characters, and other creative aspects. Recently, a wrestler filed a plagiarism lawsuit against both WWE and AEW, accusing them of using his intellectual property without permission. The lawsuit, which was initially dismissed, has now been given a second chance, reigniting interest in the case.

Anthony Duane Wilson’s lawsuit against both WWE and AEW included serious accusations of plagiarism and damages, claiming the companies used his creative works, such as wrestling gimmicks, names, slogans, and likenesses, without his permission. He stated that these actions infringed upon his plans to launch his own wrestling promotion and his discussions with Bullet Club members about joining him.

Wilson alleges that his career has been significantly affected by these actions, which he claims have caused market, product, personal, and financial damages. He accuses WWE and AEW of continuing to use his works without acknowledging or compensating him and argues that they intentionally derailed his career.

Despite these accusations, the lawsuit was dismissed on November 3rd, 2023, by Judge Benita Y. Pearson. The judge cited that neither defendant had been served within 90 days of the lawsuit’s filing, which took place in August. As a result, the case did not proceed further, leaving Wilson’s claims unaddressed in court. This dismissal may mark the end of the legal battle unless Wilson decides to refile his case and ensure proper service to the defendants within the stipulated timeframe.

In seeking justice, Wilson is pursuing $250,000,000 in damages and the return of all his intellectual property. He initially filed the lawsuit in August 2023, but it was dismissed in December 2023 due to neither defendant being served within the 90-day period after filing. However, the lawsuit would then get second chance, and this time, both AEW and WWE were served.

According to PWInsider, Anthony Duane Wilson filed a request with the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio on April 10th, requesting a stay (pause) in the case because he is currently incarcerated. This request for a stay may impact the progress of the lawsuit against WWE and AEW, as it could delay proceedings until Wilson’s situation changes or he is able to participate in the legal process.

“To the Honorable Judge of Said Court:

I, Anthony Duane Wilson, by and through self representation, respectfully asks this court to stay all further proceedings in this case until my release.  

Due to my current state of being incarcerated at Trumbull County Jail, located at [deleted], I am unable to properly handle and follow the status of this case in a timely manner at this time.

I ask the court to grant my request to stay the case because I have put forth alot of my time and money to file the lawsuit against World Wrestling Entertainment and All Elite Wrestling, and being that I am of self representation and cannot do it properly at this time, see it necessary to file this motion.

I seek this stay not for the purpose of delay but that justice may be done.”

The dismissal was without prejudice, which allowed Wilson to re-file the lawsuit. Therefore, he has re-filed that lawsuit to give it another try. We will have to see how the case will proceed, as it seems like a fruitless endeavor at the moment.

What do you think of this bizarre lawsuit? Do you feel the lawsuit has merit? Let us know in the comments section below!