TNA Parent Company Sues Gail Kim Over Whistleblower Threat

Gail Kim is at the center of a legal battle with the company she helped put on the map.

According to PWInsider.com, Anthem Wrestling Exhibitions, LLC—the parent company of TNA Wrestling—filed a lawsuit against the TNA Hall of Famer in Tennessee’s Nashville Chancery Court on January 10, 2026. The filing stems from Kim’s claim that she may have legal grounds under the Florida Private Whistleblower Act following her March 2025 departure.

In the lawsuit, Anthem is asking the court to step in and prevent Kim from pursuing claims under Florida law, arguing that her contract specifically states that all legal disputes must be governed by Tennessee law. The company is also asking for a formal ruling declaring that Kim was always an independent contractor—not an employee—which they say disqualifies her from bringing forward any employment-based legal claims.

“AWE seeks a declaration that all disputes between the company and Kim are governed by TN law, and that she may not assert claims under Florida state statutes,” the suit states.

Kim had been working under a Services Agreement since September 2022, performing duties in talent relations, match production, and business development. The agreement expired at the end of 2024, but was extended month-to-month before her exit.

Anthem says her contract allowed for non-exclusive work, as long as she didn’t appear for direct competitors. The suit also notes that Kim was issued 1099 forms, worked from home without a formal office, and continued to appear on outside projects like The Amazing Race Canada and The Traitors Canada during her time with the company.

The company contends her departure was part of a larger internal restructuring and not an individual dismissal. Anthem also revealed that former Sports Group President Anthony Ciccione stepped down in May 2025 as part of the same shake-up.

“Kim… has threatened to bring [claims] under the Florida Private Whistleblower Act, the Florida Civil Rights Act, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,” Anthem’s filing reads, before asking the court to block those efforts entirely.

They’re also seeking a formal ruling that Kim has “no legally cognizable claims” under Florida law, and are asking the court to award attorney’s fees and court costs. At press time, court records do not show whether Gail Kim has been served, and no court dates have been scheduled.

Kim, one of the most respected names in women’s wrestling, is largely credited with helping launch TNA’s Knockouts Division in 2007. Her feud with Awesome Kong became a foundational moment for the brand. After stints in WWE and multiple returns to TNA, she was inducted into the promotion’s Hall of Fame in 2016—the first woman ever to receive that honor.

Should TNA have handled this behind closed doors—or is Anthem right to seek court protection up front? Do you think Gail Kim’s whistleblower claims have merit? Share your thoughts in the comments.