Former WWF wrestler Billy Jack Haynes is suing the WWE over the organization’s alleged mistreatment of its wrestlers. Haynes is seeking class-action status for his suit and claims he contracted Hepatitis C as a result of his wrestling.
Haynes, who has a history of criticizing WWE boss Vince McMahon, accuses the wrestling organization of hiding medical evidence from its wrestlers.
“For most of its history, WWE has engaged in a campaign of misinformation and deception to prevent its wrestlers from understanding the true nature and consequences of the injuries they have sustained. WWE’s representations, actions, and inactions have caused its wrestlers to suffer from death, long-term debilitating injuries, lost profits, premature retirement, medical expenses, and other losses as alleged herein,” the suit states, according to the Portland Tribune.
Haynes says he suffered multiple concussions, numerous other injuries, and used drugs to handle the pain. He claims he contracted Hepatitis C from blows to the head from chairs, chains and other weapons.
The lawsuit was filed in a Portland US district court last week. Haynes is asking for class action status so other former wrestlers can join the suit. He is asking for a trust fund to be established to help other wrestlers suffering from medical problems as a result of their time in the ring. TMZ says Haynes is demanding $5 million.
The WWE issued the following statement in response:
“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.”
Below is a video of Haynes wrestling Macho Man Randy Savage in 1986:
