By James Caldwell, Torch columnist

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that WWE has rejected a settlement from Chris Benoit's estate. WWE would have paid $2.0 million to Benoit's surviving children from his marriage to Martina Benoit. Michael Benoit, the father of Chris, spoke through his attorney, Cary Icther, that the settlement would have paid Benoit's family "in recognition of their father's contribution to the company."

WWE's reported rejected of the offer will mean a court battle between WWE and the Benoit estate, namely Michael Benoit, down the road. If WWE accepted the settlement, the Benoit estate would have agreed not to pursue any future legal action against the company.

"Had the WWE taken the slightest interest in its wrestlers — before it became the object of the interest of district attorneys and Congress — there is little doubt that Chris Benoit and his family would still be with us today," attorney Ichter said.

The Canadian Press reports that the estate is worth $1.5 to $3.0 million and involves a dispute over the order of death between Nancy and Daniel Benoit. Mr. Icther told the Press that Chris and Nancy's sides of the family hope to resolve the dispute within a week without requiring further litigation.

The AJC report also discusses the impending regulations in Georgia that would place pro wrestling under strict guidelines for how to promote wrestling shows. Icther told the AJC that he hopes the Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission subjects pro wrestlers to drug testing and other strict regulations.

The Commission is meeting on Tuesday to discuss the regulations, which TNA bookings director Bill Behrens criticized in a letter to Kelly Farr, the executive director of the Commission. Behrens recommended that the Commission withdraw the proposed regulations based on a misinterpretation of Georgia state law.

Behrens also questioned whether Mr. Icther has a conflict in interest as a commissioner in the Commission. He cited Mr. Icther giving statements to the media about pro wrestling and WWE that "clearly tied to his legal representation of an individual and/or estate who may sue WWE."

- Full AJC article

- Canadian Press article

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