Hey, Reddit. I’m a 27-year-old pro wrestler, and I'm currently in a heated situation with a fellow wrestler in my promotion that I need some input on.

A few months back, I created a unique finishing move that I'm really proud of. It’s essentially a modified cutter, but the way I execute it lets me perform it in virtually any situation and from various angles—it's pretty versatile. I’ve been refining it over time, and it has become a signature part of my character, especially as I portray a grudge heel in the current storyline.

Last week, I was at a wrestling show, and during the event, I saw that one of my colleagues, "Rick" (30M), who plays a face character, executed a move that looked alarmingly similar to mine. I was in shock when I noticed it, and the crowd seemed confused about whether I was doing my move or if he was doing it. It was a key moment in his match, and I immediately felt like it undermined what I had built around my finishing move.

I confronted Rick after the show. I told him that I felt he had copied my move and that it was disrespectful and damaging to my character. Rick denied it outright, claiming that it was purely coincidence, and that he had developed the move independently. He argued that the wrestling world thrives on borrowed ideas and that moves evolve over time. While I understand that to some extent, the similarity was too close for comfort, especially since he used it at the same venue where I’ve been showcasing it for a while.

Word of the confrontation got around, and now I’m facing backlash from some of the other wrestlers, claiming I’m “too protective” of my move and that it’s just part of the business. They say I need to be more chill about it if I want to be successful in wrestling, where moves are often recycled and reinvented.

Now, I’m wondering if I overreacted. Did I cross a line by accusing Rick and making a scene about it? Should I have let it go and just focused on developing my character further? Or do I have the right to stand up for something I created and feel is uniquely mine?

So, AITAH for accusing my fellow wrestler of stealing my finishing move? Should I have handled it differently? Would love your input!