Three former on-screen personalities with AEW are reportedly suing the promotion, citing defamation as well as misclassification of their roles.
Kevin Kelly, alongside Brandon and Brendan Tate, filed the suit on August 30, in Philadelphia County, The Wrestling News reports.
The Tate Brothers, known on-screen as Dalton Castle’s ‘Boys’, were released from ROH in April with their departure explained as being due to budget cuts.
Tony Khan later claimed that the brothers were released after no-showing events, a claim the pair denied, resulting in a defamation allegation against Khan.
Kevin Kelly is seeking monetary damages, claiming that AEW breached his contract and has interfered in his ability to find work elsewhere.
Kelly is also seeking damages from Ian Riccaboni, who Kelly claims defamed him by accusing him of being a member of the debunked far-right group QAnon.
A veteran of wrestling broadcasting, Kelly was fired from AEW in March and on social media shared his frustrations with the company and Riccaboni.
In a statement, attorney Stephen P. New, who is representing Kelly and the Tates, said the trio were showing immense bravery. He stated,
“I applaud the bravery of these Plaintiffs in bringing this long-overdue action, challenging the mis-classification of pro-wrestlers as independent contractors instead of employees. We know we are in for a long, hard fight, but in the end, I believe justice always prevails.”
Kelly and the Tate brothers are also being represented by Benjamin Bear. The case is also seeking to certify a class-action suit against AEW over other claims.
The suit argues that AEW is misclassifying its wrestling talent as independent contractors, rather than employees. AEW has not publicly responded at this time.
