Retired pro wrestler Billy Two Rivers sues Van Morrison over album cover

A former professional wrestler and ex-chief ofthe Mohawk Council of Kahnawake is suing singer-songwriterVan Morrisonand his record companyover the music icon's upcoming album cover.

Billy Two Riverswrestled around the world for more than two decadesand was known for his trademark Mohawk hairstyle.

His image is being used on the cover of VanMorrison'snew album, Roll With the Punches,slated to be released Sept. 22.

"There are rules for using someone's photo for commercial purposes, and the simple rule is you need consent and they never even asked him," said MichaelGraif, Two Rivers's New York-based lawyer.

The photo showsTwo Rivers, who is from Kahnawake, Que., throwing down an opponent on the mat, but according to his lawyer, the image was not used with Two Rivers's awareness or consent.

It is unclear who took the photo.

Among other things,Two Rivers is suing for violation of his right of publicity, according to the lawsuit which was filed Thursday in a New York court. None of the claims havebeen proven.

From wrestling star to chief

Two Rivers was a mainstay on the wrestling circuit in the 1950s and '60s, competing in the United States, England, Scotland and elsewhere.

Hehas alsoserved on the Mohawk Council of Kahnwake in different capacities, including as elected chief in the 1990s. Hewas was a band councilmember during 1990 Oka Crisis.

• Oka Crisis: 25 years later

He is also an actor, with roles in the 1995 movie Pocahontas: The Legend and APTNseries Mohawk Girls.

Two Rivers is asking for an unspecified amount in compensationdamages as well as punitive and exemplary damages and legal fees.

Graif said he is hoping the case can be settled without a long court process, but told CBC Montreal's Daybreak"that's something that is not up to me."

Music company Universaldid not immediately return a request for comment from CBC News.