The AEW lawsuit involving Kevin Kelly and the Tate Twins has moved to private arbitration.
According to Brandon Thurston of POST Wrestling, the legal battle involving Kevin Kelly, Brandon Tate, and Brent Tate against AEW took a significant turn. A federal judge ruled that the case must now move forward through private arbitration rather than continue in public court.
Judge Harvey E. Schlesinger of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida determined that the arbitration clauses in the contracts of Kelly and the Tate Twins must be upheld. As a result, the dispute will now shift to a confidential arbitration process, removing it from the public legal system.
This is seen as a huge win for AEW, as they had requested the court to unhold the arbitration clauses. However, Judge Schlesinger also declined AEW’s request to dismiss the lawsuit. Instead, he issued an administrative closure of the case, effectively pausing court proceedings while arbitration takes place. The plaintiffs will be required to provide updates on the arbitration status every 90 days.
Stephen P. New, attorney for Kevin Kelly, Brandon Tate, and Brent Tate, stated, “We look forward to pursuing the plaintiffs’ claims in arbitration.” Although the ruling marks a significant relief for AEW, the company has yet to issue a public response.
The dispute began last year when Kevin Kelly, a former AEW commentator, and the Tate Twins, who previously wrestled for the company, filed a lawsuit against AEW, company president Tony Khan, and commentator Ian Riccaboni.
The lawsuit against AEW alleged breach of contract and defamation. Kevin Kelly was fired in March of 2024 after criticizing AEW and commentator Ian Riccaboni online. He claims Ian Riccaboni defamed him over his support for the Sound of Freedom film. He seeks monetary damages and says the fallout has hurt his career.
The Tate Twins, released in April, also accuse AEW president Tony Khan of defamation over claims they no-showed bookings during a press conference, which they deny. Judge Schlesinger reinforced that AEW’s talent contracts give the arbitrator, not the court, the power to decide whether the claims fall under arbitration.
This is not the only case involving AEW that has transitioned to arbitration. A similar lawsuit filed by current TNA wrestler Ryan Nemeth also moved to private arbitration recently.
