Has a Pro Wrestler Ever Sued His Opponent for Physical Damages in Their Match?

Introduction

The claim in question is whether a professional wrestler has ever sued an opponent for physical damages sustained during a match. This inquiry touches on the broader context of legal actions within the realm of professional wrestling, which often blurs the lines between scripted entertainment and real physical risk.

What We Know

1. Belzer v. Bollea: One notable case is Belzer v. Bollea, where comedian Richard Belzer sued wrestler Hulk Hogan (Terry Bollea) for personal injury after Hogan applied a sleeper hold during a promotional event. The case was settled out of court, which indicates that there was some acknowledgment of potential liability, though the specifics of the settlement remain undisclosed 2.

2. Referee Lawsuit: More recently, a referee named Michael McCarthy sued a professional wrestling company after being stabbed in the head during a match. This incident occurred in 2021, and the lawsuit was filed in 2023, suggesting that there are instances where individuals involved in wrestling, even those not performing as wrestlers, seek legal recourse for injuries sustained during events 9.

3. WWE Lawsuits: There have been multiple lawsuits against WWE by former wrestlers claiming long-term injuries, particularly related to concussions and brain damage. These cases, however, primarily target the organization rather than individual opponents. For example, a group of former wrestlers sued WWE, alleging that the company failed to protect them from head injuries, but these lawsuits have focused on the organization's responsibility rather than direct actions between wrestlers 1346.

4. Billy Jack Haynes Lawsuit: Former wrestler Billy Jack Haynes has also taken legal action against WWE, claiming damages for injuries he sustained while wrestling. However, this lawsuit appears to be against the organization rather than specific opponents 10.

Analysis

The evidence surrounding the claim that a wrestler has sued an opponent for injuries sustained during a match is limited. The Belzer v. Bollea case is the most direct example of a lawsuit involving a wrestler and an opponent, but it is important to note that this was not a traditional wrestling match but rather a promotional event. The settlement indicates that there was some merit to the claim, but the lack of detailed public information about the settlement limits our understanding of its implications.

The case involving the referee stabbed during a match is another significant example, as it demonstrates that injuries in wrestling can lead to legal action. However, this situation involves a non-wrestler and does not directly answer the original claim regarding wrestlers suing each other.

The numerous lawsuits against WWE by former wrestlers primarily focus on the organization's liability for injuries rather than direct disputes between wrestlers. This suggests a systemic issue within professional wrestling regarding safety and injury management, but it does not provide evidence of individual wrestlers suing each other for damages.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that a professional wrestler has sued an opponent for physical damages is partially true. The most notable case, Belzer v. Bollea, involved a lawsuit stemming from a promotional event rather than a traditional wrestling match, indicating some acknowledgment of liability. Additionally, while there are instances of legal action related to injuries in wrestling, such as the lawsuit filed by referee Michael McCarthy, these do not directly support the claim of wrestlers suing each other.

It is important to recognize that the majority of legal actions in the wrestling context tend to focus on organizational liability, particularly against companies like WWE, rather than individual disputes between wrestlers. This highlights a broader issue of safety within the industry but does not provide conclusive evidence of wrestlers suing one another for damages.

The limitations of available evidence must also be acknowledged; the details surrounding settlements and the outcomes of lawsuits are often not publicly disclosed, which constrains our understanding of the legal landscape in professional wrestling.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the nuances of legal claims within the context of professional wrestling, where the lines between performance and reality can often be blurred.

Sources

1. Ex-pro wrestlers sue WWE over concussions that caused injury. AP News. Link
2. Belzer v. Bollea. Wikipedia. Link
3. Former WWE wrestlers' lawsuit over brain damage is dismissed. AP News. Link
4. Former WWE wrestlers take brain damage case to Supreme Court. AP News. Link
5. New Jack. Wikipedia. Link
6. Supreme Court declines to hear wrestlers' brain damage cases. ESPN. Link
7. WWE Has Been Met With Another Lawsuit Over Long-Term Brain Damage. UPROXX. Link
8. Three Former Wrestlers Sue WWE. Newsweek. Link
9. Referee repeatedly stabbed in the head at North Texas wrestling match sues for damages. Dallas News. Link
10. Billy Jack Haynes wrestles WWE into federal court. Portland Tribune. Link