WWE Responds To Former Superstar’s Lawsuit Alleging ‘Egregious Mistreatment’

WWE hasn’t had the best run of luck with lawsuits this year with the Alberto Del Rio loss immediately coming to mind, but if their response to a new suit from former WWE superstar Billy Jack Haynes holds up, that could soon change.

Haynes alleged that the company withheld important research on the dangers of concussions for a number of years, while forcing talents to take part in a number of high-risk maneuvers.

Billy Jack sees himself as something of a crusader for other WWE talents on this in spite of the fact that his career with the company only lasted around three years.

As commenters noted on The Inquisitr’s previous report regarding this, it could probably be taken more seriously if it was a guy like The Undertaker or Shawn Michaels leading the charge.

That’s at least how the WWE is hoping things turn out, but they’re not waiting to take action. The company released a statement late Saturday that tackles each of Haynes’ accusations, painting itself as a leader among concussion research and proactivity to protect athletes.

This is from the official WWE statement.

“Billy Jack Haynes performed for WWE from 1986-1988. His filed lawsuit alleges that WWE concealed medical information and evidence on concussions during that time, which is impossible since the condition now called chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) had not even been discovered. WWE was well ahead of sports organizations in implementing concussion management procedures and policies as a precautionary measure as the science and research on this issue emerged. Current WWE procedures include ImPACT testing for brain function, annual educational seminars and the strict prohibition of deliberate and direct shots to the head. Additionally, WWE has committed significant funding for concussion research conducted by the Sports Legacy Institute (SLI), leaders in concussion research, and WWE Executive Vice President Paul Levesque sits on SLI’s Board.”

Going from that statement alone, it would appear the Billy Jack Haynes lawsuit has little ground to stand on. Still, that may not exclude him from working out a small settlement with the company, though the company’s release shows no indication that they would be willing to back down in such a fight.

And that could be problematic for Haynes and the other wrestlers that he is hoping to fight for. After all, even if he is able to prove wrongdoing on the part of the WWE, the company’s pockets are pretty deep, and its evidence appears compelling.

What do you think, readers? Is Billy Jack Haynes right to sue the WWE, or is he just out for a payday? Share your thoughts in our comments section.

[Image via Forbes]