AEW Figure Comments On “Frivolous” Kevin Kelly Lawsuit

A popular AEW figure doesn’t think much of a new lawsuit filed against the company.

On September 4th it was revealed that Kevin Kelly and the Tate brothers have launched legal action against AEW. The suit was said to be filed on August 30th in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas by attorneys Stephen P. New & Benjamin Baer.

The suit is not only looking to void the arbitration clause of their talent contracts but also requesting that the court classify a class-action lawsuit over claims the company is misclassifying talent as independent contractors rather than employees.

Announcer Kevin Kelly was fired by AEW in March after going public about his unhappiness with the company, while the Tate Twins, also known as The Boys were released a month later.

Jim Ross Reacts To Kevin Kelly’s AEW Lawsuit

During the latest episode of his Grilling JR podcast, Jim Ross was asked whether he had any thoughts on the legal action. The WWE Hall of Famer said he doesn’t expect the lawsuit to be successful, describing it as “frivolous.”

“When you sign your contract, you agree to the terms. That would include being an independent contractor. I’ll say this. The plaintiffs, Kevin Kelly and those guys, they’ll run out of money before Tony Khan does.

I don’t hold out much hope they’re going to get any kind of settlement, whatsoever. Maybe I’m wrong. I’m not a judge or lawyer or anything along those lines. I don’t like those kind of lawsuits. I think they’re frivolous.

You would think guys would get together and work out something before going to spend their money on a lawyer, who is probably doing it, ‘If you win, you get this. If you don’t win, no harm, no foul.’ There is harm and there is foul. You knew what you were doing when you signed your deal.

I’m not familiar with the two wrestlers. I know who they are. Kevin Kelly is an old friend of mine for years. I was sad to see him leave the way he did. He just wasn’t happy. I think he wanted a bigger role that wasn’t available to him. Then, all of a sudden, he’s gone.

It’s unfortunate, it’s sad. He has a lot to offer. As far the independent contractor thing being thrown out and overruled, I don’t hold any hope for that to happen,”

Jim Ross first worked with Kevin Kelly during the mid-1990s when both men were with WWE. In 2003, Kelly left the company, later joining MLW, Ring of Honor, and NJPW before eventually landing in AEW in 2023.

H/t to Fightful