Former WWE Superstar Billy Jack Haynes has filed a lawsuit against the company in federal court in Oregon earlier this week, according to a report from The Portland Tribune.
The report notes in the lawsuit dated Thursday, October 23rd, 2014 that Haynes’ main complaint is that the WWE engaged in egregious mistreatment of its wrestlers for its own benefit, as well as its concealment and denial of medical research and evidence concerning traumatic brain injuries suffered by WWE wrestlers. Haynes is seeking a remedy for himself, as well as for past WWF/WWE wrestlers, who Haynes alleges suffered injuries or put their health at risk while wrestling for the company and promoter Vince McMahon and that the number of qualifying wrestlers could be up to 500 people.
The lawsuit notes that as a result of the head trauma he sustained while wrestling in the WWE, Haynes suffers from depression and exhibits symptoms of dementia and that Haynes claims to have had at least 15 concussions and numerous other injuries while wrestling for the company in the mid-80’s. Haynes was hospitalized back in March 2013 after reportedly suffering an aortic aneurysm, while also showing signs of liver and kidney issues.
Haynes is seeking a remedy where the company would be required to create a trust fund, with an amount to be determined, to pay for the medical monitoring of all wrestlers subjected to checks and hits, as frequently as determined to be medically necessary, as well as to pay to develop and research other methods by which the risk of those affected can be reduced. For those wondering, this is not Haynes’ first time taking a public stance against the company, as in 1992, Haynes conducted a series of interviews regarding the alleged steroid and drug use by WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan.
As of writing, no court date has been set for Haynes’ case against the company, while WWE have yet to comment on the matter.