The trial pitting WWE Senior Ringside Physician Chris Amann against CM Punk and Colt Cabana wrapped in Cook County, Illinois today. The jury spent only a few hours in deliberation before ruling in favor of Punk & Cabana on all counts filed by Amann. The former WWE Superstars will not have to pay anything to Amann.
Many outlets have noted that Punk & wife AJ Lee were hugging and crying after the verdict was read.
The trial kicked off last Wednesday over comments Punk made about Amann on Cabana’s “Art of Wrestling” podcast in 2014, a few months after his WWE release. Amann had been seeking $3,989,000 in damages for each stream of the podcast.
Punk and Cabana made their first public statements to WrestleZone following the verdict.
Punk said,
“Aside from the fact that I’m in the middle of a weight cut, and obviously I’ve got some other business to take care of at the end of the week, a gigantic weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. First and foremost, I’m happy for my friend Colt Cabana, who I think was dragged into this for silly reasons, but just in general, I’m super appreciative and happy that the jury came to that verdict. They think I had truth on my side, obviously I did, and common sense prevailed. I’m just happy. I appreciate everyone that was in my corner and knew and continues to know the truth. I can’t wait to put it all behind me. I wanted out years ago, and I still feel the same way. I just want to move on with my life.”
While Cabana followed up with,
“I feel amazing. It justifies everything that I fought for for so long. I had questions from day one [about] why was I in this thing, and I think afterwards, talking to a lot of the jury, they had the same questions. It’s a big relief; it’s a lot off of my chest and shoulders.”
