Released AEW Star Accuses Tony Khan of Sabotage Amid Ongoing Lawsuit

Brandon Tate of The Boys has now called out Tony Khan for pulling The Outrunners from an upcoming match at an indie event and accused Khan of sabotage.

In a now-deleted Facebook post, Brandon Tate noted he and his brother Brent, known together as The Boys, were set to face The Outrunners for ECC Wrestling on September 28. However, Brandon said AEW pulled The Outrunners from the event. He believes this move is connected to the ongoing lawsuit that he, Brent, and former AEW commentator Kevin Kelly filed against AEW in 2024.

In his post, Brandon said he and Brent have spent nearly two years trying to rebuild their lives after leaving AEW/ROH. He accused Khan of damaging Ring of Honor and of blocking independent wrestlers while still calling them “independent contractors.” Brandon added that AEW’s actions hurt not only him and his brother but also independent promotions, other wrestlers, and fans.

Tate apologized to fans and to ECC Wrestling for the last-minute change and expressed hope that AEW’s current direction will eventually catch up with the company.

“🚩Match/Show cancelled🚩

It was announced that my brother and I were returning to the ring after being away for two years. Today I was informed that Tony Khan and All Elite Wrestling had removed the opponents from our match that was supposed to take place next weekend. Not only are they causing issues to continue outside of AEW where we no longer work and our personal life, but effecting the independent promotion, wrestlers, fans and everyone involved or planned on attending the show next weekend.

My brother and I have grinded for almost two years trying get our life back from the hole they left us in and were finally able to return to wrestling and make a little money for ourselves to try and bounce back. This dude has ruined over nearly two and a half decades of one of the best companies to ever exist in professional wrestling Ring of Honor and is now pulling talent from the independents just to get his way, but claiming his roster are “independent contractors”. I hope he realizes the company he once praised about changing wrestling for the better for EVERYONE is going completely backwards and this will one day all catch up to him.

I apologize on behalf of my brother and ECC Wrestling for anyone looking forward to seeing us wrestle and giving ECC Wrestling a bad rep like they did the both of us both.”

The original lawsuit includes allegations of breach of contract, defamation, and more. Kelly claims fellow commentator Ian Riccaboni falsely branded him as a QAnon supporter online, something Kelly says directly contributed to his AEW exit. The Tates, meanwhile, allege they were publicly defamed by AEW CEO Tony Khan during a press conference following their departure.

The canceled ECC Wrestling match has raised concerns about AEW’s power over independent wrestling. When AEW wrestlers are booked for other shows, the company can still step in and change plans. For Brandon and Brent Tate, who have spent two years trying to restart their careers, it’s clear things aren’t going well for them so far.

Do you think AEW went too far by allegedly pulling The Outrunners from the ECC Wrestling card? Sound off in the comments.