WWE, Vince & Linda McMahon Move to Dismiss Ring Boy Abuse Lawsuit Over Jurisdiction & Responsibility
In a major legal development, WWE, along with Vince and Linda McMahon, is attempting to dismiss a federal lawsuit alleging sexual abuse of minors by former WWF employees. Filed in Maryland, the lawsuit claims that several ring crew members—referred to as “John Does”—were abused by the now-deceased Mel Phillips and Pat Patterson.
Defendants Argue No Legal Duty or Maryland Jurisdiction
Attorneys representing WWE and the McMahons submitted a motion on June 5, 2025, asking the court to dismiss the case. Their central arguments:
- WWE and its executives did not owe a legal duty to the plaintiffs.
- Maryland is not the appropriate jurisdiction, as no substantial business or personal connection was established there during the alleged abuse.
- The plaintiffs have failed to show how WWE or TKO were responsible for actions committed by Phillips or Patterson.
Why Maryland? The State’s New Law Opens the Door
Maryland’s recently passed law removes the statute of limitations on child sex abuse claims, allowing survivors to come forward decades later. The plaintiffs claim multiple abuses occurred in Maryland between 1983–1987, including by Phillips at live shows.
Despite this, WWE argues that hosting events in Maryland doesn’t give the state legal jurisdiction.
Key Allegations from the Lawsuit
- Plaintiffs allege that Mel Phillips, a prominent WWF figure at the time, sexually abused ring crew members in multiple states.
- Vince & Linda McMahon allegedly knew of Phillips’ behavior, fired him in 1988, and brought him back weeks later.
- WWE’s legal team claims Phillips acted independently, beyond the scope of his job.
- The case also references a disputed story involving Shane McMahon and a plaintiff wrestling as kids—Linda McMahon denies this in a sworn declaration.
- The plaintiffs quote 1993 testimony from journalist Phil Mushnick and a confirmed 2020 report by Dave Meltzer about Vince’s prior knowledge.
TKO’s Legal Defense
TKO Group Holdings, WWE’s new parent company, also seeks dismissal, arguing:
“Plaintiffs haven’t shown that TKO assumed legal responsibility for the alleged conduct of Titan Sports, WWE’s predecessor.”
What’s Next?
- Plaintiffs must respond by July 28, 2025.
- WWE and TKO get a final reply by August 27.
- A hearing could be scheduled in late 2025 to determine if the case proceeds.
A Legacy Under Fire
This legal battle comes in the wake of Vince McMahon’s resignation in 2024 following Janel Grant’s sex trafficking lawsuit. Now, WWE’s legacy—and its executives’ past decisions—are under unprecedented scrutiny.
Do you think the court should allow this case to proceed in Maryland, or do the McMahons and WWE have a valid legal defense? Share your thoughts in the comments.