Article Body: Vito LoGrasso has publicly asserted that WWE appropriated his long-standing mob-style character and storyline concepts for the ongoing NXT narrative involving Tony D’Angelo and Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo. LoGrasso claims that Lorenzo has also copied his entire look. The veteran performer, who states he has embodied this persona for over three decades, aired his grievances and specific allegations against the company and Lorenzo via Twitter.
LoGrasso detailed his accusations, stating, “I’ve got an honest question for @TripleH . I’ve lived this lifestyle my whole life. I’ve been doing this gimmick since 1999. I’m still the Don in the squared circle, but this kid—who has publicly disrespected me—has stolen everything but the shoes on my feet. Your own people have reached out to me, asking for help with “family” storylines. Those ideas? Mine. Talent relations even called me, said I’d be “brought in” down in Florida. Yet here I am—a 35-year veteran—watching @WWE bury me while they rip off my gimmick wholesale. And yes, I’ve got the receipts to back up everything I’m saying here. So tell me: are we really going to keep doing this? Keep embarrassing Italians with this nonsense? Keep disrespecting my 35 years in this business? @Stacks_WWE I get it. Imitation is supposed to be the sincerest form of flattery. I’ve got a few old leather jackets if you need them, but I doubt you can pull off the bald look. Just remember: no matter who you put in the “costume,” they’ll always be living in my shadow until I give my stamp of approval. — THE Don”
I’ve got an honest question for @TripleH . I’ve lived this lifestyle my whole life. I’ve been doing this gimmick since 1999. I’m still the Don in the squared circle, but this kid—who has publicly disrespected me—has stolen everything but the shoes on my feet. Your own people have… pic.twitter.com/VuGbenim3O
— Big Vito LoGrasso (@TheBigVitoBrand) June 2, 2025
According to LoGrasso, WWE Talent Relations had communicated an intention to involve him in the storyline’s development in Florida, acknowledging that elements of the current angle originated from his ideas. He contends that instead of receiving credit, WWE is utilizing his character without permission and disregarding his contributions, while also asserting that Lorenzo has shown him disrespect. LoGrasso also mentioned possessing evidence to substantiate his claims and criticized WWE for what he perceives as a mockery of Italian culture through the uncredited use of his persona.
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The WWE storyline in question saw Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo betray Tony D’Angelo at NXT Stand & Deliver on April 19, 2025, during a six-man tag team match, striking D’Angelo with a low blow. Lorenzo attributed the betrayal to D’Angelo becoming “soft” and his leadership causing The D’Angelo Family’s struggles. This led to a match at NXT Battleground on May 25, 2025, where Lorenzo defeated D’Angelo. Luca Crusifino’s appearance at ringside distracted D’Angelo, facilitating another low blow from Lorenzo for the win, following a feigned apology by Stacks during the contest. In the aftermath, during a meeting with Crusifino on the May 27 WWE NXT broadcast, D’Angelo expressed his inability to trust anyone.
The gravity of LoGrasso’s claims is underscored by his extensive history with the gimmick. It remains to be seen whether WWE will issue a response to these accusations.
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