WWE is truly the global juggernaut of professional wrestling but with its status in the business, comes very bizarre lawsuits from time to time. In fact, a new lawsuit now alleges that WWE used Daniel Bryan and Sasha Banks to send ‘hush money.’

According to PWInsider, a new lawsuit was filed against WWE and UFC on September 3rd in the United States District Court of the Eastern District of Washington. The lawsuit, brought by Leland Owens, claims that WWE and Owens entered into a verbal agreement in Yakima Lower Valley, Washington, but that Owens “never got paid.”

In the lawsuit, Owens alleges that he gave WWE ideas but was not compensated. He mentioned discussing these ideas with Daniel Bryan (now known as Bryan Danielson) and claims WWE saw his ideas as competition. Owens states that WWE and he had a verbal agreement about payment that was never fulfilled.

 “I gave the WWE ideas and never got paid.  I also told Daniel Bryan (at the time what i was going to do with my earning with said ideas and the World Wrestling Entertainment tried to get in front of it because Vince thinks of this as competition.  We have a verbal agreement in which was supposed to talk about at the time i receive my payment for my ideas.”

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Owens also claims that WWE sent Daniel Bryan and Sasha Banks (now Mercedes Moné in AEW) to offer him $100,000 as “hush money” after Stephanie McMahon allegedly made a comment about Owens’ daughter. He further claims to have submitted ideas to Paul Levesque, Mercedes, and Bryan through Instagram. These ideas included a company called PIE, an event titled “Stomping Grounds,” and a unique cage match concept.

Owens is asking for a cease and desist order against WWE’s parent company, TKO Group Holdings, and appropriate compensation. He filed the lawsuit via mail on August 30th, and it was officially recorded by the court on September 3rd. WWE has yet to respond to the claims. It is unlikely the lawsuit will proceed as the basis of the lawsuit simply holds no merit. Ringside News will keep you updated on this ongoing case as we learn more.

What do you make of this new lawsuit filed against WWE with such bizarre claims? Do you feel the case will progress in court? Let us know in the comments section below!

Subhojeet Mukherjee

Subhojeet, a professional wrestling fan for over 20+ years, found his passion during the Monday Night Wars. With expertise honed over decades and a broad spectrum of interests including TV, movies, anime, novels, and music, he offers insightful analysis and coverage. Respected in the industry, Subhojeet keeps fans informed and engaged with his knowledge and perspective.

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