The former wrestlers say they suffer from cognitive and mental health issues
Dozens of retired wrestlers have sued World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. (WWE) seeking damages for neurological injuries they say were sustained while wrestling for the organization.
The suit also alleges that the WWE actively shirked responsibility for its wrestlers’ health by hiring them as independent contractors — while meanwhile concealing the hazards of partaking in the sport, Reuters reported.
“WWE placed corporate gain over its wrestlers’ health, safety and financial security, choosing to leave the plaintiffs severely injured and with no recourse to treat their damaged minds and bodies,” the lawsuit, cited by Reuters, reads.
The list of more than 50 plaintiffs includes 72-year-old Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka, who is among several wrestlers who say they suffer from mental health issues and cognitive impairment as a result of their work in the sport.
This is nothing new for the WWE, which released a statement claiming that the organization was “confident this lawsuit will suffer the same fate” as past litigation seeking damages for head trauma.
[Reuters]