WWE is still on the hook in a brutal injury lawsuit after a Connecticut judge refused to toss the case involving a worker who says his life was changed forever while breaking down the ring after a SmackDown event.
The incident happened on March 29, 2024, during teardown at SmackDown in Uncasville, Connecticut. Teodoro Troche, working for contractor Complete Labor & Staffing, claims he slipped on debris while holding one of the rings massive corner postsmade of several hundred pounds of steel. As he fell, the pole smashed into his face, knocking out his teeth, and crushed his right hand.
The result? Emergency transport to a Level 1 trauma hospital, multiple surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation. Troche says the injuries left him unable to work and permanently impaired his ability to earn a living.
Troche filed a lawsuit against Event Services LLC, WWEs live event subsidiary, alleging gross negligenceincluding failure to clean the floor, failure to warn about hazards, and letting workers handle dangerous equipment in unsafe conditions.
WWE tried to get the lawsuit thrown out, claiming the Mohegan Gaming Disputes Courtnot Connecticut Superior Courtwas the proper venue, especially since Troche had already filed related claims against the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority there.
But Judge Scott Chadwick wasnt buying it. In his ruling issued Tuesday (via Post Wrestling}, he said the Mohegan court doesnt allow jury trials and caps damages, while Connecticut courts do not. In his words, keeping the case in state court will best serve the convenience of the parties and the ends of justice. Troches complaint paints a brutal picture of what happened:
Troches lawyer, James Harrington, applauded the courts decision to let the case move forward:
WWE did not respond to requests for comment.
With WWE already facing legal heat on multiple frontsincluding high-profile lawsuits against top execsthis latest ruling is another legal blow the company cant ignore.
Do you think WWEs live event operations need tighter safety oversight? Should workers like Troche be better protected behind the scenes? Sound off in the comments and let us know what you think.
