WWE‘s lawyer Jerry McDevitt is retiring.
Wrestlenomics reported on Wednesday that McDevitt, who is currently representing WWE in its antitrust lawsuit filed by MLW, is transitioning to retirement. As a result, lawyers from Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Warton & Garrison LLP will be taking over the case.
McDevitt has represented Vince McMahon and WWE in legal matters dating back to 1987. In an email response to Wrestlenomics, McDevitt noted that he plans to wrap up his career by the end of 2023, however the MLW lawsuit could run until 2025.
“As you may know, since early 2022 I have been working towards retirement. I had hoped that the Court would again dismiss MLW’s lawsuit as it did the first time. When it did not, and it became obvious that the case would run into at least 2025 in all probability, I advised my client that I would be wrapping things up by year-end and that it would make sense for them to secure counsel who can go the distance on the case now that discovery will be starting. There is also the chance that I might be a witness given the allegations. I will be 74 this January and it just seems like the right time to make necessary transitions,” McDevitt wrote.
“We have worked with Paul[,] Weiss on other matters and they are an excellent firm who I will be helping get up to speed. It has been a great 36-year run with a great Company and Vince [McMahon], and I am very proud of all that we accomplished during that time, and I will continue to help them any way I can.”
MLW’s lawsuit alleges that WWE interfered in their media deals as it relates to REELZ and Peacock. The case’s judge ruled in June to deny WWE’s motion to dismiss MLW’s complaint, which allows litigation to possibly advance to a trial.
In light of the news, MLW took to Twitter to joke that they won their first retirement match.
WrestleZone will continue to provide the latest updates on the lawsuit as they emerge.
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