Former WWE wrestler is charged with ‘attempted aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor’ as he awaits court date

• The wrestler was with WWE between 1994 and 1996 before being released
• He last appeared in the company in 2001 and wrestled for other promotions too
• If found guilty when at court, he could face between two and four years in jail

By LEWIS BROWNING

A former WWE star has been arrested after allegedly trying to buy indecent images of children on the dark web.

According to the Daily Star, the wrestler, who was prominent in the 1990s, is said to have tried to access the material using cryptocurrency, but the FBI was tipped off about his plans.

Michael Droese, who was known as Duke ‘The Dumpster’ Droese during his time in WWE, has been charged with one count of attempted aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor.

Warren County District Attorney General Chris Stanford revealed the news in a statement, which read: ‘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 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.’

If found guilty, Droese could face between two and four years in jail.

Former WWE wrestler Michael Droese has been charged with attempted aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor

He was with WWE between 1994 and 1996, before being released due to issues with travel

Now 56, he faces between two and four years in jail if he is found guilty of the charge

As a wrestler, Droese debuted in 1990 on the independent circuit, before signing with WWE, then known as WWF, in 1994.

His gimmick involved being a bin man who carried a rubbish bin to the ring, and is a previous opponent of the likes of Jerry Lawler and Triple H – responsible for the latter’s first loss in the company he now runs.

In 1996, Vince McMahon mutually agreed to release the wrestler of his contract due to the strain touring was having on him.

He would later wrestle for other promotions including Catch Wrestling Association in Germany, while he returned to WWE for one night only at WrestleMania 17 in 2001.

His last wrestling appearance was in 2021, when he took part in a 40-man battle royal for Major League Wrestling.

It is said that the 56-year-old, who has also worked as a special education teacher at Centertown Elementary School in Tennessee, tried to buy the material in April last year, but the FBI were tipped off when the Coinbase firm saw the transaction flagged on his account.

Investigator Jason Walker from the Warren County’s Sheriff’s Department is said to have received the tip on March 18, with a Tennessee task force investigating crimes against children investigating Droese further and then charging him.

He was released on bail after posting a bond of $10,000 and will appear in court on May 28. 

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Former WWE wrestler is charged with ‘attempted aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor’ as he awaits court date

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