Former WWE wrestler and one-time congressional candidate Daniel Rodimer has asked a judge to dismiss the murder charge against him. The case involves the 2023 death of 47-year-old Christopher Tapp in a Las Vegas hotel room after a Halloween party at Resorts World. According to Fox5Vegas.com, Rodimer’s attorneys argue that coroner reports indicate death by drug and alcohol intoxication rather than assault, while accusing police of violating attorney-client and spousal privileges by intercepting private messages. The 6 ft 7 ex-athlete has pleaded not guilty and now awaits the court’s ruling.
“Attorneys for former professional wrestler and former Nevada congressional candidate Daniel Rodimer have filed a motion to dismiss the murder charge against him in the death of a man on the Las Vegas Strip … In the defense filing, Rodimer’s attorneys argue the Clark County coroner’s findings show Tapp’s injuries were the result of drug and alcohol use and were not suspicious. The motion also alleges police violated attorney-client and spousal privilege by intercepting Rodimer’s text messages with his lawyer and his wife. Rodimer has pleaded not guilty.” – Fox5Vegas.com
Rodimer’s WWE career proved short-lived despite his imposing size. The former University of South Florida football player first caught WWE’s eye during the 2004 $1,000,000 Tough Enough competition on SmackDown, and was signed to a developmental deal in 2006, leading to him competing in Deep South Wrestling and Ohio Valley Wrestling and scoring a televised win over Eugene on Heat. He even challenged John Cena for the WWE Championship at a 2007 house show. However, he was released in August 2007 after just one year, seemingly having failed to meet expectations.
