Anthem Files Lawsuit Against Gail Kim

Anthem Files Lawsuit Against Gail Kim – Anthem Wrestling Exhibitions, LLC (AWE), the parent company of TNA Wrestling, has filed a lawsuit against TNA Hall of Famer Gail Kim in Nashville Chancery Court, escalating a dispute tied to her departure from the company and potential legal claims she may pursue.

The legal action stems from Kim’s exit in March 2025. Court filings state that Kim informed Anthem she believed she had grounds to pursue claims under the Florida Private Whistleblower Act. While the alleged violations were not specified, Anthem moved to file suit seeking a legal determination that Tennessee law governs the relationship between the two sides rather than Florida law.

A key element of the case centers on Kim’s classification as an independent contractor. Anthem points to a Services Agreement signed in September 2022 covering talent relations, match production, and performer services. That agreement expired in late 2024 before shifting to a month-to-month arrangement.

The company cited language from the Booking Agreement outlining her status:

“[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.”

Anthem also stated that Kim primarily worked from home, was not given office space, and participated in outside projects such as The Amazing Race Canada and The Traitors Canada. The filing notes she was compensated via 1099 forms instead of being classified as a W-2 employee.

According to the lawsuit, Kim’s departure came as part of a broader restructuring initiative. Anthem says the changes included the non-renewal of contracts for Kim and two other contractors, along with the termination of five employees. The filing also references leadership changes, noting that Anthony Ciccione stepped down as President of the Sports Group for AWE Sports & Entertainment in May 2025.

“In connection with AWE’s restructuring, the former President of the Sports Group for AWE Sports & Entertainment, Anthony Ciccione, stepped down from his role in May 2025.”

Anthem is asking the court to formally declare Kim an independent contractor. The company argues that such a ruling would prevent her from pursuing claims under the Florida Private Whistleblower Act, the Florida Civil Rights Act, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Anthem is also seeking attorneys’ fees and court costs.

As of December 2025, Kim had indicated she declined an offer to return to WWE. Court records currently do not show whether she has been formally served, and no hearing dates have been listed.

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