Below are a couple of top WWE news stories of the day.
• In a legal saga unfolding against WWE, Florida resident Richard Bryant has filed a lawsuit alleging injuries sustained during a Friday Night SmackDown event in Orlando in July 2022. The lawsuit, citing negligence and carelessness on the part of the company, highlights a litany of grievances related to pyrotechnic displays at the event. As the legal battle intensifies, Bryant seeks damages totaling $15,000, further complicating WWE’s legal landscape.
Allegations of Negligence
Bryant’s lawsuit accuses WWE of failing to adequately warn attendees of the dangers associated with pyrotechnics, neglecting to conduct proper testing, and lacking in the supervision of competent staff during the event. Additionally, the suit contends that WWE’s failure to implement and enforce safety protocols exacerbated the risks, leading to Bryant’s purported injuries. The severity of Bryant’s alleged injuries, including traumatic ear damage and psychological harm, underscores the gravity of the situation.
Legal Maneuvering
According to court documents obtained by PWInsider, WWE has been granted an extension until June 3rd to respond to the lawsuit by the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut. This extension signals the commencement of a protracted legal battle between Bryant and WWE, with both parties poised to present their respective arguments and evidence in the coming months.
Precedent and Arbitration
The lawsuit against WWE echoes a similar legal challenge stemming from WrestleMania 38, where a fan’s grievances were dismissed by the District Court of Tarrant County, Texas. Upheld by the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, WWE successfully argued that any disputes must be resolved through arbitration, citing an agreement outlined in the ticket terms. The case was sent to private arbitration, with the outcome remaining uncertain.
WATCH: Nia Jax Hits A Fan On RAW:
• WWE decided to do some King & Queen of the Ring tournament matches at untelevised House Shows.
This past weekend, LA Knight and Tiffany Stratton won their respective tournament matches at a Live Event.
A fan tweeted the following about it:
“Congrats to both!! But what a shame that 2 of the most popular names in each tournament were delegated to house show advancement to appease… Chattanooga?!?? We wanted TV matches!”
LA Knight saw this and replied:
“I appreciate everyone saying this match should’ve been on TV. But, no need to throw live event crowds under the bus.
Live events are where the WWE roster has as much fun as possible.
Not only having a great match, but a match with HUGE stakes makes the live events more fun!”
