• Latest On Ted DiBiase Jr. Facing 45 Years In Prison
The criminal trial of Ted DiBiase Jr. is set to resume with a new legal team after a federal judge blocked the former WWE star’s attempt to start over.
Judge Carlton Reeves of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi officially denied DiBiase’s request for a mistrial on February 11, according to PWInsider. The defense had argued that a total restart was necessary because lead attorney Jason Scott Gilbert had fallen ill several weeks into the proceedings. However, Judge Reeves ruled that declaring a mistrial would be particularly difficult and impractical, given the intense media scrutiny and the significant progress already made with the local jury.
To keep the trial on track, the court has appointed a new, government-funded attorney to step in for Gilbert. While the court will cover the new lawyer’s fees, DiBiase himself will be responsible for travel and auxiliary expenses. This new representation is intended as a bridge; should Gilbert recover and return to the case, the court-appointed attorney will step aside.
The case, which is currently on a scheduled pause until February 23, centers on DiBiase’s alleged involvement in Mississippi’s massive $77 million welfare fraud scandal. Federal prosecutors claim DiBiase funneled millions in anti-poverty funds — intended for the state’s most vulnerable residents — into his own pocket through sham contracts for services like leadership training that were never actually performed.
DiBiase was arrested in April 2023 and indicted on:
– 1 count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud/theft concerning federal programs
– 6 counts of wire fraud
– 2 counts of theft concerning federal programs
– 4 counts of money laundering
If convicted, he faces up to 45 years in prison and fines totaling as much as $1 million.
• NJPW Star Isn’t Coming To WWE Or AEW
Despite drawing eyes from major promotions in the United States, Drilla Moloney is sticking with NJPW. Moloney officially confirmed on February 11 that he has re-signed with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, putting an end to speculation about a potential move to North America.
According to Fightful Select, Moloney’s decision to stay in Japan wasn’t for a lack of options. The British standout reportedly received interest from multiple American companies like WWE and AEW, but politely declined those overtures to remain a fixture in NJPW.
Sources indicate that the new agreement, which was finalized within the last week, is very favorable for Moloney. The new deal is believed to be a one-year contract, securing his services through February 2027.
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