Ryan Nemeth Claims AEW Tried to Humiliate and Intimidate Him by Serving Lawsuit at Theater

Ryan Nemeth didn’t just make headlines with his off-Broadway debut—he 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, you’re 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 performed—and nailed it.

The lawsuit in question stems from Nemeth’s legal action against AEW, Khan, and CM Punk. In February, Nemeth filed a suit alleging assault, breach of contract, and more. AEW’s counter was swift: they filed in U.S. District Court to compel the matter into arbitration. But it’s 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 wasn’t just legal routine—it 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 scenes—talking 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 didn’t pull any punches. “At some point, the one man who single-handedly runs the entire company can’t just claim plausible deniability at every turn… Do you run your company, or not?”

Nemeth made it clear he won’t 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. “I’m grateful to have been part of it, despite a weird rich guy and his lawyers’ attempts to sour it.”