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EARLIER THIS WEEK, former stars of professional wrestling brought a landmark lawsuit against the biggest name in the industry: WWE.
More than that, the men and women – some who were among the biggest names in the business at one time or another and some who spent their careers “jobbing” (losing) – took aim at the WWE owner Vince McMahon and the entire wrestling industry.
The 214-page complaint which outlines the basis of the case alleges a host of failings on WWE’s part.
It says the company ““routinely failed to care for” the plaintiffs’ health in “any medically competent or meaningful manner”.
The complaint says some of those involved have chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) a condition seen in many American football players, caused by repeated blows to the head.
Industry
But, what may be more serious for WWE and the worldwide sports entertainment industry is a line on page three of the document:
“The wrestling moves that involve the occupational head trauma that causes CTE and associated diseases from the accumulated effects of TBIs are the result of wrestling moves and manoeuvres that were performed “correctly” by the Plaintiffs.
In other words, the head trauma that has resulted in injury is the accumulated effect of many impacts to the plaintiffs’ heads that occurred on a regular, routine basis during their WWE career.
By now, most people will know that WWE bouts are staged in so much as the outcome is predetermined. It is a TV show and the wrestlers are merely heavily-muscled performers.
But that line could change everything.
It implies that no matter what, wrestlers are at risk of concussions even if everything goes well.
Wrestlers have for years contended that if everyone “works safe”, there are few injuries. But the lawsuit alleges that no matter the lengths they go to, traumatic brain injury is unavoidable.
CTE is tied to repeated brain trauma and associated with symptoms such as memory loss, depression and progressive dementia.
While the lawsuit acknowledges that WWE has been investing in medical studies of CTE with a group called the Concussion Legacy Foundation, headed by former WWE superstar Chris Nowinski, they say the research into wrestlers is lacking.
Despite studying 187 brains for CTE since 2013, (the foundation) has not studied a single wrestler’s brain.
“Over 100 wrestlers have died in this time period.”
Allegations
While many informed fans have long been aware of WWE’s reputation as a punishing place to work, the allegations in the lawsuit are sobering.
These include:
Others say they have severe neurological and physical injuries including dizziness, depression and broken discs in their backs.
WWE response
Of course, WWE is contesting the lawsuit and is hopeful it will be thrown out of court.
This is another ridiculous attempt by the same attorney who has previously filed class action lawsuits against WWE, both of which have been dismissed. A federal judge has already found that this lawyer made patently false allegations about WWE, and this is more of the same. We’re confident this lawsuit will suffer the same fate as his prior attempts and be dismissed.
With millions of dollars at stake, WWE will hope they are right.
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