Inmate Seeks 5-Year Prison Sentences for WWE and AEW in Plagiarism Lawsuit

The professional wrestling industry is known for its ever-changing landscape, making it challenging to keep storylines, characters, and other creative elements fresh and original. Recently, a wrestler has filed a plagiarism lawsuit against both WWE and AEW, claiming that they used his intellectual property without authorization. The wrestler is now seeking a five-year prison sentence for both companies.

Anthony Duane Wilson’s lawsuit against WWE and AEW brought serious allegations of plagiarism and sought damages, accusing both companies of using his creative works—such as wrestling gimmicks, names, slogans, and likenesses—without his permission. Wilson claimed that this unauthorized use disrupted his plans to launch his own wrestling promotion and derailed discussions with Bullet Club members about joining him.

Wilson argued that the alleged misuse of his intellectual property by WWE and AEW caused him significant harm, including damage to his market, product, personal reputation, and finances. He accused both companies of not only exploiting his work without acknowledgment or compensation but also deliberately obstructing his career.

However, on November 3, 2023, Judge Benita Y. Pearson dismissed the lawsuit. The dismissal occurred because neither WWE nor AEW had been served with the legal papers within 90 days of the lawsuit’s initial filing in August 2023. As a result, the case was closed, unless Wilson refiled and ensured proper service within the required timeframe and WWE would also respond to the lawsuit alongside AEW.

Wilson initially sought $250,000,000 in damages and the return of all his intellectual property. After the lawsuit’s initial dismissal, he chose to refile, ensuring both AEW and WWE were served. 

According to PWInsider, Plaintiff Anthony Duane Wilson, who is currently in prison in Ohio, has responded to WWE and AEW’s requests to dismiss his plagiarism lawsuit against them. He filed this response on July 19 before the United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio, Youngstown.

In his response, Wilson opposes the dismissal motions and argues that merely denying the claims is not sufficient grounds for dismissal. He asserts that the case falls under federal jurisdiction, not state jurisdiction, and the amount in question exceeds $75,000. Wilson argues that damages and profits from the alleged theft and copying of his creative work can quickly add up. He also points out that the defendants operate in different states and conduct business in Ohio, which ties the case to federal laws.

Wilson requests that the court deny both motions to dismiss and schedule the first hearing for after November 5, 2024. He believes that having more time will allow him to gather and present a substantial amount of evidence. He stresses that it would be a grave injustice if the defendants were allowed to continue their actions against him and others. Wilson notes that WWE recently settled an antitrust lawsuit for unfair practices and has other pending lawsuits involving similar issues. He acknowledges that he might not argue his case as effectively as the defendants’ attorneys but emphasizes that he should not be required to pay legal fees due to his financial constraints, which are exacerbated by his injury and loss of income.

Wilson also mentions that he owns the rights to his creations under federal copyright and state common laws. He offers to expedite some registrations and requests a continuance until November 5, 2024, to better prepare his case. He expresses his desire for a resolution that benefits all parties involved and urges the court to deny the dismissal motions and grant his request for a continuance.

“I oppose both motions to dismiss.  Simply denying these things is not grounds for dismissal.  Jurisdiction is federal not state and the amount in question is well over $75,000.  They may feel this sum is outlandish but when you steal, damage and copy someone else’s creative works, damages plus profits add up fast.  As well each party lives in a separate state of the United States.  

This is federal court not a state court and both companies regularly do business in the state of Ohio on a worldwide stage, as do I and are tied to federal laws.  Discovery will show parties malicious and deliberate acts.   I would ask the court to deny both motions to dismiss and set the first hearing for after November 5th 2024.  My time is short and I will be able to attend and file an overwhelming amount of evidence.  It would be a tragedy of justice if the court were to allow these defendants to continue these actions against myself and anyone else.  WWE just settled and (sic) antitrust lawsuit for malicious unfair action and have several lawsuits pending for terrible acts committed by some of the same people that will be named during discovery in this case.  

I may not be able to argue my case as well as both defendants attorneys but the American rule states I pay for my lawyer same as you so neither defendant is entitled to legal fees when I’m obviously having trouble finding legal representation I can afford seeing how I’m unable to perform do (sic) to an injury and the damages to my income from both defendants.  I own everything I create automatically being protected by federal copyright laws and state common laws.  If the defendants wish, I can expedite some registrations and ask the court for a continuance, though I will be seeking the 5 year prison term and the max fine of $250,000 for each malicious infringement as well as a sum that continues to grow with damages weekly.  I above anyone wish these matters to be settled in a way that benefits all parties involved.  I beg the court to denny these motions  and allow me to present the facts and my case against both parties.  I would as the court to reconsider my motion to stay until November 5th 2024 or grant a continuance until November 5th 2024.  I’m doing my best to plead my case with limited freedoms.  I do not receive mail in a timely fashion, affecting my times to respond.  As with this letter I had less than 24 hours to respond.  I have limited access to a law library that focuses on criminal law not civil.  My motion was sent before my trial as a fail-safe in case the justice system failed me, which it did.  This is a very short period of time most of which the court took up deciding.”

We have also reported that the lawsuit cannot be dismissed. The result of the revised lawsuit could have a major effect on both wrestling companies and set a precedent for similar cases. It’s uncertain how the case will progress, as it currently seems like an uphill battle for the plaintiff.

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