A bombshell dropped in the wrestling world over the weekend: Ryan Nemeth has filed a lawsuit against All Elite Wrestling (AEW), Tony Khan, and CM Punk, reigniting drama from Punk’s tumultuous tenure with the promotion. As a wrestling analyst who’s covered the industry for over 15 years, I’ve seen my share of backstage sagas, but this one’s heating up fast. Reported by Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp and Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer, the suit was lodged on February 14, 2025—Valentine’s Day—in Los Angeles Superior Court. With allegations ranging from assault to breach of contract, this legal battle could shake AEW to its core. Let’s dive into the details, what it means for all parties, and where this rollercoaster might lead.
Overview: What’s the Lawsuit About?
The Ryan Nemeth lawsuit isn’t just another wrestling rumor—it’s a formal legal filing with serious claims against AEW, its president Tony Khan, and former star CM Punk (real name Phil Brooks). Here’s the gist:
- Filing Date: February 14, 2025, in California.
- Claims: Assault, breach of contract, breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and intentional interference with prospective advantage.
- Plaintiff: Ryan Nemeth, a former AEW wrestler now with TNA, known as “The Hollywood Hunk” and brother to ex-WWE star Nic Nemeth (Dolph Ziggler).
- Defendants: AEW, Tony Khan (CEO), and CM Punk, now a WWE superstar.
This isn’t a Cupid’s arrow gone astray—it’s a legal salvo packed with accusations of workplace misconduct and career sabotage. As someone who’s tracked wrestling’s highs and lows, I can say this feels like a shock, yet not entirely a surprise given AEW’s history of backstage tension.
The Allegations: What’s Ryan Nemeth Claiming?
Assault by CM Punk
Nemeth alleges CM Punk physically confronted him during his time in AEW:
- Incident Date: June 21, 2023, in the male talent locker room, shortly after Punk’s return from suspension on the debut episode of AEW Collision.
- Details: Punk reportedly approached Nemeth “in a menacing manner,” shouting, “Do we have a f***ing problem? Do we need to step outside and handle this like men?” Nemeth claims he was cornered and tried to de-escalate.
- Trigger: Likely tied to Nemeth’s tweet calling Punk “literally the softest man alive,” posted days earlier—an in-character jab that Punk apparently didn’t take lightly.
Breach of Contract and Benching
Nemeth says AEW retaliated by “benching” him—industry slang for sidelining a wrestler, cutting off their bookings and income:
- Timeline: After reporting the incident to AEW execs like Tony Schiavone on June 22, 2023, Nemeth wasn’t booked for over two months.
- Greensboro Incident: On August 12, 2023, Nemeth arrived at an AEW event in Greensboro, NC, only to be told by supervisor Pat Buck to leave immediately after Punk spotted him in the hotel lobby and texted someone. Nemeth’s exit went “viral,” humiliating him in front of peers and fans.
- Punk’s Influence: Nemeth alleges Punk insisted on this punishment, with AEW complying despite assurances from legal counsel that he wouldn’t be benched.
Blackballing by Tony Khan
The most explosive claim? Tony Khan and AEW allegedly tried to blackball Nemeth from wrestling:
- Post-Punk Exit: After Punk’s firing in September 2023 (following his All In altercation with Jack Perry) and return to WWE in November 2023, Khan reportedly blamed Nemeth for Punk’s departure.
- Career Impact: Nemeth claims Khan used “significant resources” to ensure he “can never again make a living in wrestling,” a move fueled by Khan’s “deep admiration” for Punk bordering on obsession.
Background: Punk’s Rocky AEW Run
To understand this lawsuit, we need context on CM Punk’s AEW tenure:
- Brawl Out: In September 2022, Punk clashed with The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) backstage after All Out, leading to suspensions for all involved. Nemeth’s suit references this as evidence of Punk’s “violent proclivities.”
- Collision Return: Punk came back in June 2023 for AEW Collision, a show Khan allegedly pitched to TBS as contingent on Punk’s star power—explaining why Punk wasn’t fired earlier.
- All In Fallout: Punk’s final AEW chapter ended with a backstage fight with Jack Perry at All In 2023, resulting in his termination.
Nemeth’s issues with Punk predate this lawsuit. His public disdain—like that “softest man alive” tweet—set the stage for their feud, and now he’s legally calling out Punk’s influence and AEW’s response.
Why This Matters: The Bigger Picture
For AEW and Tony Khan
- Reputation Hit: AEW’s already weathered criticism for backstage chaos—this lawsuit could amplify that narrative, especially with Khan painted as overly loyal to Punk at talent’s expense.
- Legal Precedent: If Nemeth’s claims hold, it might expose gaps in AEW’s HR practices, impacting how they manage talent disputes moving forward.
For CM Punk
- WWE Spotlight: Now a WWE star eyeing a WrestleMania 41 main event, Punk’s past keeps haunting him. This echoes his 2015 lawsuit with WWE doctor Chris Amann (which he won), but a deposition here could dredge up Brawl Out details he’d rather leave buried.
- Team-Up Twist: Ironically, Punk and AEW are defendants together, much like Punk and Colt Cabana were in that earlier case—awkward for two parties no longer on speaking terms.
For Ryan Nemeth
- Career Stakes: Nemeth, last seen in AEW on November 18, 2024, and now with TNA, is fighting for his wrestling future. A win could net him compensatory and punitive damages; a loss might cement his outsider status.
What’s Next: The Legal Road Ahead
As a non-lawyer who’s watched wrestling legal dramas unfold (think Hogan vs. Gawker), here’s what might happen:
- Discovery Phase: Both sides will gather evidence—texts, emails, witness statements. If Punk’s deposed, expect fireworks over Brawl Out and Greensboro.
- Settlement Odds: AEW might push to settle quietly to avoid more PR damage, especially if Khan wants Punk’s exit off the table. Punk, however, might fight to clear his name.
- Trial: Nemeth’s demanded a jury trial, which could stretch into late 2025 or beyond, depending on court schedules.
I’ll keep tabs on this as “Court Reporter Adam” (hat tip to WhatCulture’s Adam Wilbourn)—it’s too juicy to ignore.
Pros and Cons of the Lawsuit
Pros for Nemeth
- Justice: If true, he’s holding power players accountable.
- Visibility: Keeps him relevant in wrestling circles.
Cons for Nemeth
- Risk: Weak evidence could tank his credibility.
- Backlash: Wrestling’s a small world—burning bridges with AEW might haunt him.
Verdict: A Messy Chapter Unfolds
The AEW CM Punk lawsuit is no stunt—it’s a serious legal clash with roots in wrestling’s chaotic underbelly. Ryan Nemeth isn’t shying away from his disdain for Punk or his belief that Tony Khan failed him. As someone who’s analyzed wrestling’s ups and downs, I see this as a pivotal moment: it’s not just about one wrestler’s grudge but about accountability in a high-stakes industry. Will it fizzle out, or will it reshape AEW’s locker room culture? We’ll watch it play out over the next few weeks.
What’s your take—does Nemeth have a case, or is this just more AEW drama? Drop your thoughts below and stay tuned for updates!
Ryan Nemeth filed a lawsuit on February 14, 2025, against AEW, Tony Khan, and CM Punk for assault, breach of contract, breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and intentional interference with prospective advantage, alleging Punk attacked him and AEW blackballed him.
Nemeth claims CM Punk assaulted him on June 21, 2023, in an AEW locker room, shouting threats after Nemeth’s tweet called him “the softest man alive.” This followed Punk’s return from suspension on AEW Collision.
Nemeth alleges Tony Khan blamed him for CM Punk’s AEW exit in September 2023 and used his resources to blackball Nemeth from wrestling, citing Khan’s “deep admiration” for Punk as the reason AEW ignored Punk’s behavior.
