An update on a WWE lawsuit from fan Richard Bryant.
In September 2024, the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut noted a potential settlement in the lawsuit filed by fBryant against WWE. Bryant claims WWE's negligence caused him serious injuries related to pyrotechnics used at an event. He alleges the company failed to warn him of the dangers, failed to test the pyrotechnics properly, and failed to operate them safely. Bryant is seeking compensation for permanent injuries, including a ruptured eardrum, hearing loss in his right ear, tinnitus, and psychological harm. He also claims that he had to use crutches and a boot due to an unrelated injury to his left foot, which has not been corrected in the lawsuit despite its inconsistency with his ear injuries. Bryant is demanding $15,000 in damages.
WWE had argued to move the case to arbitration, but Judge Robert N. Chatigny did not rule on this due to the settlement talks. This case mirrors a similar lawsuit filed by Marvin Jackson against WWE, where he alleged hearing loss after attending Wrestlemania 38 in 2022. Jackson sued WWE in January 2023, claiming he lost hearing in his left ear from a pyrotechnics blast during the event. However, the court ruled that Jackson’s claims must go to arbitration based on an agreement he made when purchasing his ticket. The Texas court dismissed his lawsuit, but Jackson appealed. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the decision, sending the case to arbitration, where it remains unresolved.
Both cases highlight WWE’s legal battles over injuries allegedly caused by their use of pyrotechnics at live events.
