Ryan Nemeth, the professional wrestler known for his previous work with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), has stepped onto the legal stage with the filing of a lawsuit against AEW, its CEO Tony Khan, and former champion CM Punk, whose real name is Phil Brooks. The lawsuit, submitted to the court on February 14, 2025, outlines serious allegations of physical assault and systematic career interference, highlighting deep-seated tensions within the wrestling organization.
The focal point of Nemeth's claims lies within the dynamics of AEW’s backstage environment. He alleges he was physically confronted by Punk during what should have been routine operations for wrestlers on June 21, 2023. This confrontation reportedly arose after Nemeth referred to Punk as "the softest man alive" on social media. Punk is accused of confronting Nemeth aggressively, asking, "Do we have a fucking problem? Do we need to step outside and handle this like men?" according to legal documents sourced from Fightful.
The lawsuit paints vivid scenarios of backstage chaos and intimidation, with Nemeth stating he felt cornered by Punk’s menacing approach. Fearing for his safety, he had previously alerted AEW executives about potential confrontations with Punk, especially as the latter was returning from his suspension at the time.
Following this unpleasantry, Nemeth alleges he fell victim to workplace retaliation. He claims he was “benched” for over two months — not booked for matches and deprived of income, significantly impacting his professional standing. This measure is described within the wrestling community as "benching" and is often used as punitive action against performers.
Compounding the issue, the lawsuit recounts how after Punk recognized Nemeth at their hotel and sent him text messages, the AEW management acted swiftly, escorting Nemeth out of the arena and arranging immediate travel out of the city, leading to his humiliation as the situation gained traction on social media.
According to the lawsuit, this treatment stems from what it describes as Tony Khan's "deep admiration" for Punk, potentially leading to decisions against Nemeth’s professional interests. The suit explicitly states, "the conduct of each of the Defendants was malicious," as they intended to inflict harm on Nemeth.
This latest turn of events marks another chapter of discord within AEW following other conflicts. Namely, the narrative brings to light past issues involving Punk’s conduct, particularly the infamous altercation at the 'Brawl Out' media scrum, which led to him being let go from AEW. The turbulent atmosphere has seemingly established factions within AEW, where worry about retribution for speaking out against leaders has emerged.
On the flip side of this contract controversy is HOOK, the son of wrestling legend Taz, who is currently making waves within the AEW spectrum. Recently, reports surfaced indicating Barry Bloom, known for representing various wrestlers, including Kenny Omega and Jim Ross, has taken on HOOK as his client. Based on credible sources, it’s anticipated Bloom and HOOK will negotiate terms directed at ensuring HOOK stays with AEW.
Reports suggest Bloom may have signed HOOK months ago; nonetheless, this news coincides with the current climate of contract negotiations throughout the wrestling industry. HOOK has risen to prominence since debuting with AEW back in 2020; he has held the FTW Championship multiple times and is currently working closely with prominent figures like Samoa Joe and Katsuyori Shibata.
Reflecting on HOOK's success, Chris Jericho previously remarked on his development within AEW, stating, "I think he’s really feeling it. He’s doing a great job." This sentiment may assure fans and followers of HOOK's continued presence at AEW as negotiations navigate toward fruitful outcomes.
The intertwining stories of Nemeth’s legal dispute and HOOK’s contractual maneuvers underline the heightened stakes and uncertainties within AEW and the wrestling business overall. Industry experts, including Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, have weighed in on the developments, expressing skepticism about Nemeth’s chances of prevailing with his lawsuit. Meltzer noted, “I was aware of all the stuff as it was going on and [Nemeth] was wronged," but questioned whether this constituted sufficient grounds for legal action.
With neither AEW management nor Punk publicly addressing the allegations detailed within the lawsuit, the pressure mounts as followers and industry insiders await the next moves. This saga encapsulates the chaotic and tumultuous nature of pro wrestling, where personal and professional disputes often collide, creating compelling narratives for fans and participants alike. Amid the backdrop of contract talks and legal wrangling, the outcomes for both Nemeth and HOOK could shape the future of AEW as they move forward.