A former WWE performer is scheduled to return to court next week as legal proceedings continue in a criminal case in Tennessee.
Mike “Duke” Droese — known to many wrestling fans as Duke “The Dumpster” Droese during his time in WWF (now WWE) — is expected to appear in Warren County Circuit Court on March 11, according to information obtained by PWInsider.
The hearing is listed as a “plea or trial selection.” This means the case could either move toward a plea agreement or proceed to trial, depending on the outcome of the session.
Droese has been charged with one count of Attempted Aggravated Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. Court records indicate the case has already experienced multiple delays before reaching this stage.
Mike ‘Duke’ Droese Plea Hearing Scheduled In Tennessee
According to information released in May 2025 by Chris Stanford, District Attorney General for Tennessee’s 31st Judicial District, Droese was indicted following an investigation involving the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the FBI.
Authorities allege that in April 2024, Droese attempted to purchase illegal child sexual assault material through a cryptocurrency exchange on the dark web. Investigators said the transaction was flagged and ultimately terminated before the purchase could be completed.
The investigation was initiated after a tip from cryptocurrency platform Coinbase was forwarded to federal authorities. The FBI later alerted local investigators in Warren County. This prompted the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force to review the case.
Because the alleged purchase was not completed, the charge filed against Droese is listed as a criminal attempt under Tennessee law. The offense is classified as a Class D felony. This felony carries a possible sentence of two to four years if convicted.
Following the indictment, Droese turned himself in to the Warren County Sheriff’s Department and was released on a $10,000 bond.
At the time of the indictment, Droese worked as a DUI Coordinator for the 31st Judicial District Adult Recovery Court Program. Officials confirmed he was terminated from that position immediately after the charges became public.
The upcoming March 11 hearing will determine whether the case proceeds to trial or is resolved through a plea agreement.
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