A lawsuit against WWE over alleged hearing damage from pyrotechnics could be coming to an end. Plaintiff Marvin Bryant had been fighting to keep his case out of arbitration, but now a potential settlement has put everything on hold.
Bryant claimed he suffered a traumatic rupture of his right eardrum, bilateral tinnitus, and hearing loss in his right ear after attending a WWE event. His lawsuit also states that he incurred medical expenses and will likely need future treatment.
However, things get weird in the lawsuit when it randomly mentions injuries to Bryants left foot, stating he had to be non-weightbearing and use crutches and a boot to promote healing. The filing even claims he may require surgical fusion of his left footwhich has nothing to do with an ear injury. Whether this was a clerical error or a mix-up from another case, the mistake still hasnt been fixed.
Bryant has been demanding $15,000 in damages, while WWE pushed for arbitration, arguing that his lawsuit should not proceed in court. Judge Robert N. Chatigny was set to rule on that argument but now says there is no need since a potential settlement is on the table.
This isnt the first time WWE has dealt with a similar case. Marvin Jackson filed a lawsuit in 2023 claiming he lost hearing in his left ear due to pyro blasts at WrestleMania 38. WWE successfully argued that Jacksons claim had to go to arbitration, and the case was dismissed. Jackson tried to appeal but was again told he had to seek damages privately. He had originally been seeking over $1 million in damages.
With WWE now looking to settle Bryants lawsuit, will this be the end of legal battles over pyrotechnics, or will more fans come forward with similar claims?
Should WWE reconsider its use of pyrotechnics at events, or is this just an unavoidable risk? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
