Latest news with #WrestleMania17
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Time of India
Former WWE star Duke 'The Dumpster' Droese arrested for attempted purchase of child pornography
Former WWE wrestler Michael Droese , known as Duke "The Dumpster" Droese, was arrested in Warren County , Tennessee, after allegedly attempting to purchase child pornography on the dark web using cryptocurrency . The 56-year-old wrestler's transaction was intercepted by Coinbase, which alerted the FBI , leading to his arrest and indictment on charges of attempted aggravated sexual exploitation of children in May attempt to purchase child pornography was thwarted when Coinbase recognized and declined the payment, promptly sending a tip to the FBI. The federal agency then notified the Warren County Sheriff's Department on March 29, initiating an investigation within former WWE star was subsequently booked and released after posting a $10,000 bond. His charges are classified as "attempted" since the transaction was never Attorney General Chris Stanford of the 31st Judicial District of Tennessee provided detailed context about the charges: "Purchasing child sexual assault material is an aggravated crime. The money used to purchase the material is what continues to make child sexual assault material profitable for criminal enterprises produce it and sell it across the world. However, because Mr Droese was unsuccessful in securing the child sexual assault material he intended to purchase, the charge becomes a Criminal Attempt. Thus, the decision was made to charge one count of Attempted Aggravated Sexual Exploitation of a Minor."At the time of his arrest, Droese held the position of DUI Coordinator for the 31st Judicial District Adult Recovery Court Program, where he had served in various capacities for several years. Following the indictment, he was terminated from his former wrestler's next court appearance is scheduled for May 28. If convicted, he could potentially face between two to four years in had a notable career in WWE during the mid-1990s, where he performed under the moniker "The Dumpster," characterized by bringing a trash can to the ring. He achieved recognition as the first wrestler to defeat the legendary Triple H His wrestling career with WWE spanned two years, concluding in 1996. However, he made a return appearance at WrestleMania 17 in 2001. His most recent wrestling performance was with Major League Wrestling two years investigation continues as authorities process the case, with Droese currently out on bail awaiting his court date.
Metro
07-05-2025
- Metro
Former WWE star arrested for 'attempted sexual exploitation of a minor'
Former WWE wrestler Duke 'The Dumpster' Droese is facing a charge of attempt sexual exploitation of a minor. The 56-year-old retired star – whose real name is Michael Droese – has been indicted by a Tennessee grand jury after allegedly attempting to buy 'child sexual assault material' in 2024. He's accused of attempting to purchase the material using his Coinbase account on the dark web. The transaction was flagged by the company and terminated, and the FBI was made aware of the allegations, according to District Attorney General Chris Stanford. In a press release on Monday, he explained: 'This charge became aggravated because Mr. Droese intended to purchase the child sexual assault material. 'Purchasing child sexual assault material is an aggravated crime because the money used to purchase the material is what continues to make child sexual assault material profitable for criminal enterprises that produce it and sell across the world.' It's alleged Droese – who previously worked as an elementary school teacher for students with learning disabilities and trained high school athletes – tried to purchase the material on April 21, 2024. In March, the FBI passed on the claims to Warren County Sheriff's Department investigator Jason Walker. A local investigation was launched, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation was brought in to help. During the May 2025 session, a grand jury handed down an indictment, and Droese turned himself into the sheriff's department. He was released after posting $10,000 bond, but is due back in Warren County Circuit Court for an arraignment hearing on May 28. If convicted, the wrestler could face two to four years in prison. Droese – who worked for WWE between 1993 and 996 – resigned from his teaching job in 2013 after being caught selling oxycodone to an undercover agent, and he was sentence to a month behind bars. Recently, the wrestler was working for the 31st Judicial District Adult Recovery Court Program – which is also referred to as 'Drug Court' – as a DUI coordinator. He also spent several years working for the ARC programme in 'various' roles, but Stanford added in the press release that he didn't work with children during this period, and he has been fired from the job effective immediately. More Trending After leaving WWE in 1996, Droese started wrestling on the independent scene in the US and Europe. He returned to WWE as part of the Gimmick Battle Royal at WrestleMania 17 in 2001, which marked his final appearance for the company. View More » Since then, he has made just four in-ring appearances, with the most recent coming in 2023 when he was part of MLW's Battle Riot V match, which featuring the likes of Gene Snitsky and current WWE United States Champion Jacob Fatu. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Aimee Lou Wood reveals truth behind crying pictures after 'mean' SNL skit MORE: The Sopranos star Charley Scalies dies aged 84 after Alzheimer's diagnosis MORE: Distraught TV fans vow to 'start petition' after Hollywood star's crime drama is axed
Scottish Sun
06-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Former WWE star arrested after ‘trying to buy child sex assault images on the dark web'
He could face years in jail SHOCK PROBE Former WWE star arrested after 'trying to buy child sex assault images on the dark web' FORMER WWE star Duke Droese has been arrested after allegedly trying to buy indecent images of children on the dark web. The wrestler, who was known as "The Dumpster" due to him bringing a trash can to the ring, was involved in Royal Rumbles in the mid 90s. 2 Former WWE ace Duke 'The Dumpster' Droese has been arrested for trying to buying indecent images of kids Credit: Warren County Sheriffs Dept 2 He was part of WWE in the mid-90s Credit: WWE He was part of the WWE for two years, becoming the first man to defeat legend Triple H. But the 56-year-old, whose real name is Michael Droese, has now been indicted on one count of attempted aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor. Reports suggest he tried to purchase the indecent material using cryptocurrency. But Coinbase intercepted and flagged it to the FBI. District Attorney General Chris Stanford of the 31st Judicial District of Tennessee said in a statement: "Purchasing child sexual assault material is an aggravated crime. "The money used to purchase the material is what continues to make child sexual assault material profitable for criminal enterprises produce it and sell it across the world. "However, because Mr Droese was unsuccessful in securing the child sexual assault material he intended to purchase, the charge becomes a Criminal Attempt. "Thus, the decision was made to charge one count of Attempted Aggravated Sexual Exploitation of a Minor." Droese has since been released on bail. And he could supposedly face two to four years in jail. Despite leaving WWE in 1996, he did return for WrestleMania 17 in 2001. He was last in the ring two years ago as part of Major League Wrestling.
The Irish Sun
06-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Former WWE star arrested after ‘trying to buy child sex assault images on the dark web'
FORMER WWE star Duke Droese has been arrested after allegedly trying to buy indecent images of children on the dark web. The wrestler, who was known as "The Dumpster" due to him bringing a trash can to the ring, was involved in Royal Rumbles in the mid 90s. Advertisement 2 Former WWE ace Duke 'The Dumpster' Droese has been arrested for trying to buying indecent images of kids Credit: Warren County Sheriffs Dept 2 He was part of WWE in the mid-90s Credit: WWE He was part of the WWE for two years, becoming the first man to defeat legend Triple H. But the 56-year-old, whose real name is Michael Droese, has now been indicted on one count of attempted aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor. Reports suggest he tried to purchase the indecent material using cryptocurrency. But Coinbase intercepted and flagged it to the FBI. Advertisement District Attorney General Chris Stanford of the 31st Judicial District of Tennessee said in a statement: "Purchasing child sexual assault material is an aggravated crime. "The money used to purchase the material is what continues to make child sexual assault material profitable for criminal enterprises produce it and sell it across the world. "However, because Mr Droese was unsuccessful in securing the child sexual assault material he intended to purchase, the charge becomes a Criminal Attempt. "Thus, the decision was made to charge one count of Attempted Aggravated Sexual Exploitation of a Minor." Advertisement Most read in Sport Droese has since been released on bail. And he could supposedly face two to four years in jail. Despite leaving WWE in 1996, he did return for WrestleMania 17 in 2001. He was last in the ring two years ago as part of Major League Wrestling. Advertisement
News18
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
From Title Bouts To Iconic Feuds: Top Ten WrestleMania Encounters Of All Time
WWE's biggest apay-per-view event, WrestleMania, has given fans several iconic clashes featuring multiple iconic names in the history of sports entertainment. WWE is set to host its biggest annual wrestling event, WrestleMania, this weekend. It will be the 41st edition of the flagship wrestling show, scheduled to premiere live at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on April 19 and 20 (April 20 and 21 in India). Over the years, WrestleMania has given fans several iconic clashes among the company's biggest superstars. From title bouts to heated feuds, the WWE Universe has been treated to memorable fights on the grand stage. Today, let's delve into some of the best matches WrestleMania has hosted in its 40-year history. These moments, fights and rivalries have defined the Showcase of the Immortals. The Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels – WrestleMania 25 Two of WWE's biggest legends, The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels competed in a Streak vs Career match at WrestleMania 25. The fight ended with the Dead Man beating his rival after an hour-long battle to extend his streak to 17-0. Hulk Hogan vs Andre the Giant – WrestleMania 3 The legendary Hulk Hogan faced Andre the Giant in one of the company's most iconic clashes at WrestleMania 3. The Hulkster successfully defended his WWF World Heavyweight Championship while bodyslamming his opponent, a moment still cherished by fans. The Rock vs Stone Cold Steve Austin – WrestleMania 17 WrestleMania 17 saw Stone Cold Steve Austin challenge The Rock for the WWF Championship. The Texas Rattlesnake eventually won the fight after a brutal match. He pinned The Rock after a series of chair shots. The Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels faced Bret 'The Hitman' Hart in an iconic Iron Man match at WrestleMania 10. Michaels won the bout by pinning Hart, who attempted to win his legendary submission manoeuvre, The Sharpshooter. At WrestleMania 6, The Ultimate Warrior and Hulk Hogan faced off in an epic Champion vs Champion fight. Warrior beat the Hulkster by pinfall to mark a significant moment in the WWE. It was the first time Hogan was beaten by a clean pinfall in years. John Cena vs Shawn Michaels – WrestleMania 23 Competing at Detroit's Ford Field, John Cena and Shawn Michaels put up arguably one of the most iconic performances in WWE history. An up-and-coming Cena beat the WWE veteran for the WWE World Championship. Roman Reigns vs Cody Rhodes – WrestleMania 40 Having failed to win the title in 2023, Cody Rhodes had one last shot to complete his story at WrestleMania 40. Rhodes eventually beat the Tribal Chief to win the Universal Title after an epic battle interrupted by stars like The Undertaker, John Cena, The Rock and Seth Rollins. Roman Reigns vs Brock Lesnar – WrestleMania 31 The WWE Universe witnessed the 'Heist of the Century' when Roman Reigns went toe-to-toe with Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 31 for the WWE Championship. Amid a close fight, Seth Rollins cashed in his Money in the Bank Contract to steal the title under Reigns and Lesnar's noses. Ronda Rousey vs Charlotte Flair vs Becky Lynch – WrestleMania 35 WrestleMania 35 saw Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair and Ronda Rousey compete in the first-ever all-women's main event. Lynch escaped with the title after a controversial pin on Rousey. John Cena vs The Rock – WrestleMania 29 John Cena found himself on the road to WrestleMania after winning the Royal Rumble in 2013. He faced The Rock for the second successive time at the flagship show's main event, beating him for the WWE title.
