McMahon, WWE Beat XFL Trade Secrets Suit Despite Court’s Concern

Vince McMahon and World Wrestling Entertainment can’t be sued for allegedly using confidential trade secrets to re-launch the XFL because the lawsuit was brought more than a year late, a Texas appeals court said.

But the court’s order came reluctantly, citing “grave concerns” for a trial judge allowing McMahon, WWE, and four other defendants to participate in a motion to dismiss hearing that had been set for other defendants but not them.

Although their participation was improper, the plaintiff—a man representing himself named David Smith—needed to object to it at the hearing but didn’t, the court said.

“We have no ...