WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi has shared his opinion on the civil lawsuit filed against AEW and its World Champion Jon Moxley by a production crew member, stating that anyone working at ringside needs to know the risks involved and to “move the hell out the way.” Speaking on his “Rikishi Fatu Off The Top” podcast, the veteran defended Moxley’s actions during the incident.
The lawsuit alleges that during a May 2023 cage match, Moxley went “off-script” and shoved crew member Christopher Dispensa, causing injuries. Rikishi began his analysis by questioning why the crew member was in that position.
“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?” Rikishi asked.
He then explained what he feels are the unwritten rules of working near the ring during a live wrestling match, delivering a blunt message to the crew member.
“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 stated. “Otherwise there might have been a spot or something that was going on because he was in the wrong place… That’s what happened when you’re in the way of wrestlers. Get the hell out the way. You’re gonna get hurt.”
Rikishi admitted that he would have reacted in the same manner as Moxley in that situation. “I’ll tell you what, I probably would have done the same thing,” he said.
He concluded by questioning the merit of the lawsuit against AEW and its owner, Tony Khan, suggesting it was financially motivated. “He better have a good lawyer because if he’s suing AEW… did he forget who his father is in AEW?…”
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit Rikishi Fatu Off The Top with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
