Home > Law Journals > JDR > Vol. 2025 > Iss. 1 (2025)
Abstract
Dolph Ziggler and JD McDonagh performed in a ring in front of a crowd of 20,000 people. Their match was broadcast worldwide. Ziggler placed everything on the line in a match where he wagered his entire career with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) for the Intercontinental Championship. Back and forth the two fought. Ziggler brought an early onslaught against McDonagh. Punches and kicks rained down. McDonagh, in a turn of luck, slipped through the ropes and reversed the onslaught onto Ziggler. After the pummeling, McDonagh threw Ziggler over the ropes onto the cement floor. The referee started counting down . . . 10 . . . McDonagh slammed Ziggler’s head against the announcer’s table . . . 6 . . . and against the steel steps leading to the ring . . . 1. The match ended. No one won. Disqualification. The next day, WWE released Dolph Ziggler, ending his 19-year career with the company. A veteran of the industry, Ziggler’s newfound freedom would be a boon for any smaller wrestling organization because his fame from the WWE would draw crowds to their shows. Unfortunately for those smaller promotions, Ziggler’s contract contained a 90-day non-compete clause which prevented Ziggler from performing under similar promotions. This begs the question: who won?
Recommended Citation
Cameron Shields,
Competition is for the Ring, Not the Court,
2025 J. Disp. Resol.
(2025)
Available at: https://scholarship.law.missouri.edu/jdr/vol2025/iss1/11