As we previously reported here on eWn, Kevin Kelly, Brandon Tate, and Brendan Tate are suing AEW, citing defamation and misclassification of their roles.
On a recent edition of his “Grilling JR” podcast, AEW broadcaster Jim Ross expressed doubt regarding Kelly’s chances of winning the lawsuit against AEW.
Ross pointed out that when wrestlers sign their contracts, they agree to the terms, including being categorized as independent contractors. The veteran color commentator believes that the plaintiffs, including Kelly and the Tate Brothers, will probably deplete their funds and does not expect them to reach a settlement.
Ross further criticized these lawsuits as groundless and recommended that wrestlers attempt to resolve issues before resorting to legal action.
Ross also mentioned that he isn’t very familiar with the plaintiffs beyond recognizing who they are and expressed regret over Kelly’s departure from AEW, noting that Kelly was dissatisfied and seeking a larger role that wasn’t offered to him.
Ross said, “Well, you sign your contract, you agree to the terms, and that would include being an independent contractor. I’ll say this: I guess the plaintiffs, Kevin Kelly and those guys, will run out of money before Tony Khan does. I don’t hold out much hope that they’re going to get any kind of settlement whatsoever, but maybe I’m wrong. I’m not a judge or a lawyer or anything along those lines. I don’t like those kinds of lawsuits; I think they’re frivolous. You would think that guys could get together and work out something before spending their money on a lawyer who’s probably doing it on a contingency basis—if you win, you get this; if you don’t win, no harm, no foul.”
He continued, “Well, there is harm and there is foul. But you knew what you were doing when you signed your deal. I’m not that familiar with those two wrestlers you’re talking about. I know who they are. Kevin Kelly’s been an old friend of mine for years. I was sad to see him leave the way he did; he wasn’t happy, and I think he wanted a bigger role that wasn’t available to him. It’s unfortunate and sad because he has a lot to offer. But as far as that independent contractor thing being thrown out and overruled, I don’t hold out any hope for that to happen.”
