Earlier this month, it was reported that the ongoing lawsuit between WWE and its former trading card partner Panini looked to be coming to an end after the two sides came to an agreement in principle. WWE President Nick Khan was said to have been at the core of the agreement as the move came following several conversations and settlement proposals between Khan and two executives from Panini throughout October and November.
According to a new court document provided by X user Paul Lesko, who has been following the case over the last few months, the two sides have officially settled their issues. WWE and Panini collectively filed a letter motion of dismissal with prejudice yesterday to close the case and ensure that neither party could refile over this situation again. The relevant section of the document can be read below:
“Panini S.p.A (“Panini”) and World Wrestling Entertainment, LLC (f/k/a World Wrestling Entertainemnt, Inc.) (“WWE”), through their respective counsel, hereby stipulate and agree that all claims and causes of action asserted by Panini against WWE in the above-captioned action and by WWE against Panini in S.D.N.Y. Case No. 23-CV-8371-LGS are dismissed with prejudice pursuant to Rule 41(a)(1)(A)(ii) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Each party shall bear its own costs, expenses, and attorneys’ fees.”
This follows the appointed judge dismissing the case after hearing that the two sides were close to a settlement. However, the case was dismissed without prejudice, meaning either side could refile and reopen it once more. The new motion of dismissal in essence means that WWE and Panini want the case reopened for a short period in order to have it dismissed with prejudice so neither side can refile and settle the issue for good.
Issues between the two companies became public knowledge back in September when it was reported that an alleged breach of contract had caused WWE to terminate its trading card contract with Panini. However, Panini later filed suit against WWE and claimed they had been blindsided by the move.