WWE has reportedly settled a lawsuit filed by a fan who claimed to have suffered hearing damage at a 2022 SmackDown taping. Richard Bryant sued WWE in May, alleging injuries sustained during the July 2022 event in Orlando, Florida. PWInsider reports that a settlement has been reached, according to documents filed in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut.
Details of the settlement are currently unavailable, and it’s unclear when it might be approved.
Bryant’s lawsuit sought $15,000 in damages and accused WWE of negligence and carelessness. He claimed the company failed to adequately warn attendees about the dangers of pyrotechnics, failed to properly test their effects, operated them without reasonable care, failed to properly train employees handling pyrotechnics, and failed to implement safety procedures. He also alleged a failure to warn him of the potential effects of the pyrotechnics.
Bryant’s claimed injuries included a ruptured eardrum, tinnitus, hearing loss, and psychological harm, some of which he said may be permanent. He also cited medical expenses, with the likelihood of future costs.
