Ryan Nemeth has filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court of California against All Elite Wrestling, AEW CEO Tony Khan, and former AEW wrestler CM Punk, alleging assault, professional retaliation, and blacklisting from the wrestling industry.
The nine-page complaint is dated February 14 and was obtained through the Court’s website by POST Wrestling. Court records show the lawsuit was submitted on February 21 despite the earlier date indicated on the filing.
Nemeth claims his issues with Punk, whose real name is Phil Brooks, began in mid-2023, as Punk was about to return from suspension following the infamous backstage altercation at All Out in September 2022. The lawsuit states that on April 16, 2023, Nemeth contacted AEW executives, expressing concerns that Punk might physically attack him upon his return.
Though not mentioned in the lawsuit, Punk returned to AEW with the debut of Collision on June 17, 2023. That night, he cut a promo where he seemingly referenced the Young Bucks—whom he had previously fought backstage, resulting in his suspension—by calling them ‘soft.’ Later, on X, Nemeth posted, ‘Literally the softest man alive,’ which he later claimed was ‘in-character.’
According to Nemeth, an incident then occurred on June 21, 2023, when Punk allegedly confronted him in the AEW locker room, demanding to settle their differences “like men”. Nemeth states he attempted to de-escalate the situation and later reported it to AEW executives, but alleges the company took no disciplinary action against Punk.
AEW didn’t respond to a request for comment regarding this story. A request for comment sent to a phone number believed to belong to Punk wasn’t immediately responded to.
The lawsuit argues that Khan and AEW were aware of Punk’s history of physical altercations but made a “conscious decision” to keep him in the company. It notes the creation of AEW Collision, a separate television program that purportedly served to distance Punk from other members of the roster.
The lawsuit claims that in addition to being a wrestler, Punk was also “a member of the AEW management,” which likely refers to Punk’s dual status with the company at the time as both wrestler and employee.
“Brooks is one of AEW’s most popular wrestlers,” the lawsuit states. “Khan did not feel that Brooks could be removed without a substantial loss in profit for AEW.”
Nemeth alleges the situation escalated on August 12, 2023, when he traveled to Greensboro, North Carolina, where AEW Collision was being taped. While waiting for transportation, Nemeth says he noticed Punk using his phone. Shortly afterward, he says he received a text from AEW official Pat Buck, instructing him to meet upon arrival at the venue. Once at the arena, Nemeth claims Buck informed him he needed to leave and fly out of Greensboro the same day.
Nemeth alleges that being removed from the venue in front of colleagues and fans caused “irreparable damage” to his reputation. He believes Punk orchestrated his removal and that Khan supported it due to his admiration for Punk.
Two days later, Nemeth says he contacted AEW’s legal department to complain. His attorney states in the complaint that AEW’s lawyers “were stunned and could offer no explanation” for the actions of Punk and Khan. Nemeth alleges that after continued follow-ups, AEW’s General Counsel Chris Peck threatened him with legal action and accused him of using a “ghostwriter” in his emails, which Nemeth describes as a “bizarre” response.
Nemeth claims he was then quietly removed from AEW’s booking schedule, effectively ending his ability to earn income under his per-appearance contract. He states he was under an exclusive AEW wrestling contract from March 1, 2023, through February 29, 2024, though he had worked for AEW before being formally signed.
The lawsuit describes Khan as being deeply invested in Punk and “heartbroken” over his eventual departure from AEW. It claims Khan viewed Punk as “an idol and adored [him] in every way.”
Khan publicly announced Punk’s termination on the September 2, 2023, episode of Collision, following a backstage altercation between Punk and wrestler Jack Perry. Nemeth’s complaint alleges that Khan blamed him for Punk’s exit and retaliated by ensuring he could not secure work elsewhere in wrestling.
Not described in Nemeth’s legal filing, Nemeth reportedly submitted an internal complaint at AEW, according to Fightful’s earlier reporting. Nemeth was encouraged to cut a promo on Punk by AEW, according to Nemeth’s claims references in the report.
“Specifically, Tony Khan blames Nemeth for Brooks leaving AEW and has used his significant resources to make sure that Nemeth can never again make a living in wrestling,” the lawsuit states.
Nemeth’s lawsuit alleges assault (against Punk) and other counts against AEW and Khan: breach of contract, breach of implied covenant of good faith, and fair dealing. The plaintiff alleges intentional interference with prospective advantage against all defendants. Nemeth also names 20 John Does as defendants which he states are people and business entities that he will identify and add to the lawsuit later.
Nemeth has continued wrestling since leaving AEW. According to records from Cagematch.net, he has worked multiple matches for TNA and several independent promotions. On the day his lawsuit was filed, he competed in a TNA World Title match against Joe Hendry.
The lawsuit presents Khan’s background by alleging that he was reassigned from the Jacksonville Jaguars to Fulham FC after, Nemeth claims, straining relationships within the Jaguars organization, which is owned by his father Shahid Khan. The Jaguars’ official website currently lists Tony Khan as the organization’s Chief Football Strategy Officer. Nemeth claims Khan mismanaged Fulham, leading to multiple lawsuits. Nemeth’s lawsuit further alleges that AEW was created by the Khan family as a way “to provide Tony with something to do, safely away from the family’s other ventures.” The complaint also includes a photo of Tony Khan, but it doesn’t explain the image’s relevance to the case.
The complaint seems to contain some errors related to dates. It states that Nemeth’s last AEW match was on November 18, 2024, though records indicate his last AEW and Ring of Honor matches were taped on November 4, 2023, in Wichita, Kansas. It also claims Punk left AEW to join WWE on November 25, 2024, though Punk’s WWE return occurred at Survivor Series on November 24, 2023. Another reference to an “early 2023” incident involving Punk allegedly assaulting wrestlers Matt and Nick Jackson appears to align with a backstage altercation from September 2022.
Nemeth is represented by attorney Michael W. Caspino of Price Caspino. Judge Tony L. Richardson was assigned to the case on Monday.
