In a notable legal turn within the professional wrestling realm, TNA Wrestling talent Ryan Nemeth has initiated a lawsuit against All Elite Wrestling (AEW), its President Tony Khan, and former AEW performer CM Punk (Phil Brooks).
The legal action, filed on February 14, 2025, in the Los Angeles Superior Court, claims assault, breach of contract, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, as well as intentional interference with prospective advantage.
Allegations Detailed in the Lawsuit
Nemeth’s lawsuit focuses on a series of events during his time at AEW, primarily highlighting his interactions with CM Punk. The complaint alleges that Punk launched a campaign to “terrorize and intimidate” Nemeth, which included a physical confrontation on June 21, 2023.
During this event, Punk is said to have confronted Nemeth in the locker room, reportedly yelling, “Do we have a f***ing problem? Do we need to step outside and handle this like men?” Nemeth claims he tried to calm the situation down and reported the encounter to AEW executives; however, he asserts that no action was taken against Punk.
Furthermore, the lawsuit claims that after the confrontation, Nemeth faced professional disadvantages, such as being pulled from scheduled events and a reduction in booking opportunities.
He argues that these moves were influenced by Punk’s insistence and that AEW’s management, particularly Tony Khan, complied with Punk’s demands due to Khan’s respect for Punk and his prominence in the organization. Nemeth argues that this led to a deliberate attempt to “blackball” him from the wrestling scene.
Background Context
Ryan Nemeth, recognized for his contributions to different wrestling promotions, became part of AEW in 2021, making appearances on programs such as “Dynamite” and “AEW Dark.” His time with the organization consisted of occasional appearances until he left in late 2024.
The lawsuit details an incident from August 2023, where Nemeth claims he was sent home from an AEW event in Greensboro, North Carolina, right after arriving at the venue.
He asserts that this action was initiated by Punk and approved by AEW management, resulting in public humiliation and harm to his professional image.
CM Punk, a well-known figure in professional wrestling, experienced multiple tenures with AEW before exiting in September 2023 following a different backstage confrontation.
He later returned to WWE in November 2023. Tony Khan, who serves as the President and CEO of AEW, has played a crucial role in the company’s management and talent decisions since it was founded.
Legal Implications and Industry Impact
Nemeth’s lawsuit aims for both compensatory and punitive damages, claiming that the actions of the defendants have adversely affected his career and way of living.
This case highlights issues related to workplace behavior, the role of management in resolving internal conflicts, and the obligations of wrestling promotions to create a safe and fair environment for their talent.
As this legal issue unfolds, it is likely to have significant consequences for those involved and may affect how wrestling organizations manage internal disputes and treat their performers..
Note: The information presented in this article is based on reports from reputable sources and reflects events as of February 24, 2025. For ongoing updates, readers are encouraged to consult official statements and trusted news outlets.