Trial Date Scheduled for Lawsuit Over WWE SmackDown Fan Injury

WWE has escalated a civil lawsuit by transferring it from the Superior Court of Connecticut, Judicial District of Stamford, to the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut, thus shifting the case to federal jurisdiction. This strategic move is due to WWE and the plaintiff, Richard Bryant, residing in different states. With the case now under federal jurisdiction, a trial date has been set.

In March, Richard Bryant from Florida filed a lawsuit claiming injuries sustained during a Friday Night SmackDown event in Orlando in July 2022. WWE responded, attributing Bryant’s alleged significant hearing loss in his right ear to pyrotechnics near his seat, which purportedly caused a ruptured eardrum and tinnitus. The lawsuit accuses WWE of negligence in the warning, testing, and supervision of pyrotechnics.

Complicating matters, Bryant’s legal claim also references unrelated foot injuries, raising questions about the consistency and focus of his allegations. Seeking compensation for medical expenses, Bryant suggests his injuries may have lasting effects. The case’s move to federal court marks a significant shift in its oversight and trajectory.

Legal documents indicated that WWE secured an extension from the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut to respond to Bryant’s lawsuit, with a deadline set for July 3rd.

According to PWInsider, on July 3rd, WWE filed a motion with the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut to transfer the lawsuit initiated by Richard Bryant to arbitration.

WWE contends that Bryant’s claim falls under Ticketmaster.com’s terms and conditions, which require arbitration for any disputes arising from events attended by ticket purchasers. WWE emphasized in their motion that they have not forfeited their right to arbitration, thus directing Bryant to pursue this route.

This approach has previously worked for WWE in a similar lawsuit involving hearing damage claims from a fan. The court has scheduled a trial date for August 18, 2025, should the matter not be resolved through arbitration beforehand.

We will have to wait and see what will become of the lawsuit in the end, as WWE is determined to win the case, and they will be more than equipped, should the matter not see a resolution through arbitration.

What do you think WWE’s chances are of winning this lawsuit? Do they have a strong case now? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!