WWE Files Extension in SmackDown Fan Injury Lawsuit

WWE has recently taken legal action to transfer a civil lawsuit against the company from the Superior Court of Connecticut, Judicial District of Stamford, to the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut and shifting the case to federal jurisdiction. This decision was prompted by the fact that WWE and the plaintiff, Richard Bryant, reside in different states. On top of that, WWE has filed for an extension on the lawsuit, with a response deadline set for early June.

In a lawsuit filed in March, Bryant, a Florida resident, alleges injuries sustained during Friday Night SmackDown taping in Orlando in July 2022. WWE countered, stating Bryant suffered nearly complete hearing loss in his right ear after pyrotechnics were set off near his seat. The lawsuit accuses WWE of negligence in warning, testing, and supervising pyrotechnics use, resulting in personal injuries including a ruptured eardrum and tinnitus.

In addition to that, Bryant’s lawsuit mentions unrelated foot injuries, prompting speculation about its consistency. Bryant seeks compensation for medical expenses, suggesting permanent injuries. The lawsuit’s move to federal court and its details will influence its trajectory and scrutiny.

According to PWInsider, WWE has successfully obtained an extension from the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut to provide a response to the aforementioned lawsuit. The new deadline for WWE to respond to the lawsuit is set for June 3rd.

It’s worth noting that WWE is already contending with a similar lawsuit initiated by Marvin Jackson, who alleges he suffered hearing injuries during WrestleMania 38 in Dallas. However, the outcome of Bryant’s lawsuit remains uncertain, and we’ll need to wait and see if it progresses further.

Are you surprised WWE is dealing with a similar kind of lawsuit again? Let us know in the comments section below!