Latest Update On TNA vs. Gail Kim Lawsuit

A status conference in the lawsuit between TNA parent company Anthem Wrestling Exhibitions, LLC, and Gail Kim is scheduled for November 20 in Nashville. The hearing will take place in Davidson County Chancery Court.

PWInsider reports that there is no indication that the dispute has been resolved following mediation discussions. The two sides were scheduled to enter mediation on June 24. Kim was also given additional time to respond to Anthem’s lawsuit until after the mediation. The November hearing will be the third status conference in the case since July.

Anthem filed the lawsuit in January 2026 after Kim reportedly told the company she believed “she holds legal claims against AWE for violations of the Florida Private Whistleblower Act” after being let go in March 2025. The complaint did not identify the specific conduct she believed violated Florida law. Anthem is now asking the court to determine that Tennessee law governs the dispute.

The company points to Kim’s agreements with Anthem Wrestling Exhibitions, which owns TNA. Anthem also argues that Kim worked as an independent contractor rather than an employee. According to the complaint, Kim and Anthem signed a Services Agreement in September 2022. The Booking Agreement stated that Kim “will at all times be an independent contractor (and not an employee or agent of [AWE]); therefore, [Kim] will not participate in any benefit plans or programs that [AWE] provides or may provide to its employees, including, but not limited to, pension, profit-sharing, medical, dental, workers’ compensation, occupational injury, life insurance, and vacation or sick benefits.”

Their agreement expired at the end of 2024, but the working relationship continued on a month-to-month basis. Kim’s separate Booking Agreement was non-exclusive, subject to restrictions involving competitors.  Anthem states that Kim received 1099 tax forms and primarily worked from home while continuing her independent projects, including The Amazing Race Canada and The Traitors Canada.

Anthem is seeking a declaration that Tennessee law applies. It also requests confirmation of Kim’s independent contractor status. The company argues that 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 stated in its filing that it “has a real legally protectable interest at stake,” citing its rights under the Services Agreement and Booking Agreement. The company said those agreements were negotiated with Kim and that it paid her under them. Anthem is also seeking an award of “reasonable” attorneys’ fees and court costs.