Former WWE Wrestler Duke 'The Dumpster' Droese Indicted for Attempted Purchase of Child Pornography

By Dominica Bernhard

Michael Droese, known to wrestling fans as Duke "The Dumpster" Droese, has been indicted by a Tennessee grand jury on one count of attempted aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor. The 56-year-old former WWE star allegedly attempted to purchase child sexual abuse material via the dark web using cryptocurrency. The transaction was flagged by Coinbase and reported to the FBI, leading to an investigation by local and state authorities. Droese was arrested and released on a $10,000 bond, with an arraignment scheduled for May 28, 2025. If convicted, he faces a prison sentence of two to four years.

Prior to his arrest, Droese was employed as a DUI coordinator for the 31st Judicial District Adult Recovery Court Program in Tennessee. He was immediately terminated following the indictment. Although he did not work directly with children in this role, Droese had previously worked as an elementary school teacher and high school athletics trainer before resigning in 2013 due to an oxycodone-related arrest.

Droese gained fame in the mid-1990s as a WWE wrestler, known for his "Dumpster" persona and rivalries with notable wrestlers such as Jerry "The King" Lawler and a young Triple H. He left WWE in 1996 but continued to perform in smaller promotions, with his last match occurring in 2023.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about the exploitation of minors and the importance of vigilant monitoring by financial institutions and law enforcement agencies. District Attorney General Chris Stanford emphasized that purchasing child sexual assault material is an aggravated crime, as it perpetuates the profitability of such material for criminal enterprises worldwide.

Droese's arrest adds to a troubling pattern of former professional wrestlers facing serious legal issues related to child exploitation. In 2016, Ken Wayne, a former wrestler and promoter, was sentenced to 20 years for child exploitation after being found in possession of child pornography. Similarly, Buck Zumhofe, another former wrestler, was sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2014 for criminal sexual conduct involving his daughter.

The wrestling industry has faced scrutiny over such incidents, prompting calls for stricter background checks and oversight to prevent individuals with a history of misconduct from holding positions of influence, especially those involving vulnerable populations.

As the legal proceedings against Droese continue, the case serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive issue of child exploitation and the collective responsibility to combat it through vigilant enforcement and societal awareness.

Dominica Bernhard is a freelance writer for Veritas Expositae.  You can reach her at dominica.bernhard@veritasexpositae.com