Rikishi Says AEW Production Staff Should Stay Out of the Way During Chaos

WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi isn’t holding back when it comes to the recent lawsuit filed against AEW and Jon Moxley. After production crew member Christopher Dispensa sued the company over a 2023 Dynamite incident, Rikishi took to his podcast to deliver a no-nonsense take—and he didn’t mince words.

Dispensa, a contractor working AEW events through Broadcast Service Group, claims Moxley shoved him during a violent segment with Kenny Omega, leading to neck and shoulder injuries that required surgery. His lawsuit accuses AEW of gross negligence and calls the shove an off-script assault.

But Rikishi says if you’re ringside during a live wrestling show and not paying attention, the consequences are on you.

“Why would he be around the ring if he didn’t have a damn camera or anything? What is he producing out there with nothing?”

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He pointed out that anyone familiar with the wrestling business knows the dangers of being near the action and suggested the crew member should have known better.

“Obviously, he knows what the business is. He knows what the wrestlers do, in and out the ring, and if you see us coming, damn it, you better have your eyes ahead on the swivel and move the hell out the way.”

Rikishi didn’t stop there, implying Dispensa may have simply been in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“That’s what happens when you’re in the way of wrestlers. Get the hell out the way. You’re gonna get hurt. I’ll tell you what, I probably would have done the same thing.”

And then came the part that raised eyebrows—Rikishi hinted there may be deeper ties involved in the lawsuit.

“He better have a good lawyer because if he’s suing AEW… did he forget who his father is in AEW?”

AEW has yet to comment officially on the matter. Moxley, who was named personally in the suit, has not made any public statements either. But as the case gains attention, voices like Rikishi’s are putting the spotlight back on an age-old rule of wrestling: don’t stand in the wrong place during the chaos.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.