Wrestler sues village, promoter, after fall from ring

Wrestlers are known for being thrown or taking tumbles both in and out of the ring, but one competitor is suing because of a fall following a match last summer in southwest suburban Bridgeview.

A wrestler who took part in a match at Toyota Park is suing the promoters of the event and the village after a fall from the catwalk and stairs leading out of the ring.

Gregory Lee took part in a July 10, 2009, "Legends Under the Stars" at Toyota Park on the 7000 block of South Harlem Avenue, according to a lawsuit filed Tuesday in Cook County Circuit Court.

It claims Windy City Pro Wrestling Inc. had a duty to provide him "with a reasonably safe means of egress from the wrestling ring" because it took part in the construction of the stairs and catwalk leading out of the ring," and was also responsible for supervising and maintaining it.

Lee was on the stairs leading from the ring when the stairs collapsed, causing him to fall, the suit claims. Windy City, according to the suit, failed to properly construct and maintain the catwalk and stairs, and failed to provide adequate lighting.

The village is named as a defendant because it took part in the construction, supervision and maintenance of the stairs and catwalk, the suit says.

Lee suffered injuries of a "personal, pecuniary and permanent nature," the suit said.

"Legends Under the Stars" featured 10 wrestling matches, according to a release prior to the event, which featured an appearance by Hulk Hogan, who did not take part in any matches.