Ryan Nemeth didnt just make headlines with his off-Broadway debuthe also got hit with a legal bombshell from his former employer, Tony Khan, just minutes before taking the stage.
In a scathing Substack post, Nemeth broke down the bizarre, real-life moment that played out before his second and final performance in a New York City theater. The former AEW star recalled being served legal papers by a process server four minutes before curtain, all while standing in the lobby outside a restroom.
Hey, sorry, youre gettin sued, the man told Nemeth, handing over the documents. Nemeth looked down and saw the words Tony Khan All Elite Wrestling A lawsuit has been filed against you
Nemeth responded with stunned sarcasm. Tony Khan is suing me, he said to a friend. Enjoy the show! And then? The show went on. Nemeth performedand nailed it.
The lawsuit in question stems from Nemeths legal action against AEW, Khan, and CM Punk. In February, Nemeth filed a suit alleging assault, breach of contract, and more. AEWs counter was swift: they filed in U.S. District Court to compel the matter into arbitration. But its the when and how of the legal delivery that has Nemeth calling foul.
A billionaire definitely had a choice, Nemeth wrote. He could have very easily sent the notice to my attorney; he has his contact info. This wasnt just legal routineit was meant to humiliate and intimidate me.
Nemeth, who now works for TNA Wrestling, says he made every effort to settle things respectfully behind the scenestalking to HR, Legal, and even receiving a settlement offer before being ghosted. Then came an offer to stay with AEW I said No, thanks.
After being served, Nemeth performed anyway. But backstage, he reflected on the moment and didnt pull any punches. At some point, the one man who single-handedly runs the entire company cant just claim plausible deniability at every turn Do you run your company, or not?
Nemeth made it clear he wont be silenced, closing his post by thanking the cast and crew of the play for giving him a place of support during a surreal night. Im grateful to have been part of it, despite a weird rich guy and his lawyers attempts to sour it.
How do you feel about Ryan Nemeth being served at a play? Was it an intimidation move or just bad timing? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
