A surprising and serious legal situation has emerged involving one of TNA Wrestling’s most iconic figures.
According to a report from PWInsider, TNA parent company Anthem Wrestling Exhibitions, LLC — operating under Anthem Sports & Entertainment — filed a lawsuit against TNA Hall of Famer Gail Kim on January 10 in Nashville’s Chancery Court. The filing comes after Kim notified the company that she believed she may have potential legal claims following her departure in March 2025.
The core issue centers on jurisdiction and classification. Anthem’s lawsuit is a preemptive move, asking the court to rule that any disputes between the company and Kim must be handled under Tennessee law, not Florida law. Kim had reportedly indicated that she may pursue claims under the Florida Private Whistleblower Act, though Anthem’s filing does not outline the specific allegations behind those potential claims.
Anthem argues that Kim’s contractual agreements clearly state Tennessee law governs any disputes. The company points to a Services Agreement signed in September 2022 that outlined Kim’s responsibilities in talent relations, match production, and performer services, along with helping identify new revenue and growth opportunities. While the agreement expired at the end of 2024, it was reportedly extended on a month-to-month basis before the relationship ended.
The filing also references a separate, non-exclusive Booking Agreement that allowed Kim to work for other promotions or entertainment projects, as long as they were not direct competitors to TNA. Anthem is emphasizing that both agreements classified Kim as an independent contractor rather than an employee.
To support that claim, Anthem notes that Kim was not eligible for employee benefits such as health insurance, pensions, workers’ compensation, or paid leave. The company also states that during her most recent run, Kim primarily worked remotely, did not have dedicated office space, and wrestled only once. Her outside television appearances on The Amazing Race Canada and The Traitors Canada were also cited as examples of her independence, along with the fact that she received 1099 tax forms for her compensation.
Anthem further states that Kim’s exit was part of a broader “strategic decision to restructure.” That restructuring reportedly included the non-renewal of contracts for Kim and two other independent contractors, as well as the termination of five employees. The filing also mentions that Anthony Ciccione, former President of the Sports Group for Anthem Sports & Entertainment, stepped down from his role in May 2025.
Based on all of this, Anthem is asking the court to rule that Kim does not have viable claims under the Florida Private Whistleblower Act, the Florida Civil Rights Act, or Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The company is also seeking reimbursement for legal fees and court costs.
The situation is especially notable given Kim’s legacy within TNA. She is widely viewed as a cornerstone of the Knockouts division, with her feud against Awesome Kong helping legitimize women’s wrestling in the company during its early years. Kim first debuted in TNA in 2005, returned in 2011 after a WWE run, and remained with the promotion until 2022 before transitioning into backstage roles. She was inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame in 2016, becoming the first woman to receive the honor.
After her departure, Kim publicly thanked fans and colleagues, emphasizing her pride in helping build the Knockouts division and making it clear she wasn’t done with wrestling altogether. She later revealed during a December 2025 fan Q&A that she had turned down a WWE offer, saying she “had to decline” despite wanting to accept.
As of now, court records do not show whether Kim has been formally served with the lawsuit, and no court dates have been scheduled. The situation remains fluid, but it’s a rare and uncomfortable development involving one of TNA’s most respected names.
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