A legal dispute involving Tony Khan has led to significant tension within the wrestling community, as a former AEW talent publicly criticized Khan after a tag team was removed from an independent show’s match. This ongoing Tony Khan lawsuit battle continues to disrupt wrestling events beyond AEW’s immediate sphere.
Kevin Kelly, a former AEW commentator with previous experience in WWE and NJPW, was dismissed from AEW following his public expression of dissatisfaction with the company and critical comments made by fellow announcer Ian Riccaboni online. Kelly, along with brothers Brandon and Bret Tate, launched a lawsuit targeting Tony Khan’s company, seeking redress for grievances related to their AEW contracts and treatment.
The Tate twins, recognized in wrestling circles as The Boys and long-time associates of Dalton Castle in Ring of Honor (ROH), were released from AEW contracts in April 2024. Tony Khan asserted that the Tates were often absent without authorization, a claim that triggered the lawsuit alongside Kelly’s accusations. This dispute, initially designated for arbitration, has now moved into an appeal stage as the plaintiffs pursue further legal action.
Brandon Tate Accuses Tony Khan of Damaging Ring of Honor’s Legacy and Independent Wrestling
Brandon Tate has openly criticized Tony Khan on social media, expressing frustration over AEW tag team The Outrunners being pulled from a planned independent match against the Tates. Tate condemned Khan’s actions as harmful not only within AEW but also to Ring of Honor’s reputation and the broader independent wrestling scene.
“Not only are they causing issues to continue outside of AEW where we no longer work and our personal life, but effecting the independent promotion, wrestlers, fans and everyone involved or planned on attending the show next weekend.My brother and I have grinded for almost two years trying get our life back from the hole they left us in and were finally able to return to wrestling and make a little money for ourselves to try and bounce back. This dude has ruined over nearly two and a half decades of one of the best companies to ever exist in professional wrestling Ring of Honor and is now pulling talent from the independents just to get his way, but claiming his roster are “independent contractors”.I hope he realizes the company he once praised about changing wrestling for the better for EVERYONE is going completely backwards and this will one day all catch up to him.” – Brandon Tate
Tate’s statements highlight the personal and professional struggles he and his brother have faced following their departure from AEW, emphasizing their efforts to rebuild their careers on the independent circuit. He argues that Khan’s interference has not only affected their livelihoods but also undermined the legacy of Ring of Honor, a company he regards highly for its historical impact on professional wrestling.
In response, ECC, the promoter of the independent event in question, acknowledged that the removal of The Outrunners was due to contractual obligations with AEW rather than fault on the wrestlers’ part. ECC confirmed the match’s cancellation was part of a wider issue involving multiple wrestlers booked for the same show appearing on conflicting events, ultimately resulting in the event’s cancellation.
“Due to no fault of their own but rather the guidelines within their obligation to AEW, the Outrunners have been informed they will be unable to perform in their scheduled match.” – ECC Promotion
Questions remain about the rationale behind booking a match involving wrestlers from conflicting promotions amid an active lawsuit, a detail neither ECC nor the Tates have clarified publicly. The overlapping professional commitments and ongoing litigation contribute to a complex and strained environment in wrestling circles.
Law Suit Appeal Marks Escalation in Conflict Between AEW Talents and Management
The legal proceedings against Tony Khan continue to escalate following the initial decision to proceed via arbitration. Kevin Kelly and the Tate twins have now filed an appeal, signaling their determination to fight the matter further in the courts. This development underscores the growing rift between former AEW talents and the promotion’s management, as well as the uncertain futures faced by those involved.
The lawsuit has had a ripple effect beyond AEW, impacting independent wrestling promotions and talent bookings, illustrating how corporate disputes can unsettle the larger wrestling ecosystem. This case shines a light on the challenges faced by wrestlers categorized as independent contractors despite clear contractual conflicts that complicate their ability to work freely.
Broader Industry Implications and Upcoming Developments
The fallout from this legal clash could influence future contract negotiations and talent management practices within AEW and the wrestling industry at large. It raises important questions about the balance between corporate control and talent freedom, particularly when wrestlers are labeled as independent contractors yet face restrictions affecting their independent engagements.
As Tony Khan’s legal battles continue, the perceptions of AEW’s relationship with its roster and the handling of talent grievances could shape fan and industry sentiment. The case also serves as a reminder of the intricate interconnections across major wrestling promotions such as ROH, AEW, WWE, and the independent circuit, where contractual and legal matters increasingly affect match bookings and event planning.
Fans and insiders alike will be watching closely as the lawsuit progresses and as independent promotions navigate the challenges posed by overlapping talent commitments. The resolution of this conflict has the potential to set precedents impacting wrestling’s organizational structures and talent mobility well into the future.
