Jim Ross Doubts Kevin Kelly’s Lawsuit Against AEW Will Succeed

Kevin Kelly, who has worked with WWE, Ring of Honor, and New Japan Pro-Wrestling, became the center of controversy after reports of his departure from AEW, which was reportedly linked to a contentious rant just before AEW Revolution. Kelly has since filed a lawsuit against AEW, but Jim Ross has expressed skepticism about the lawsuit’s chances of success.

Kevin Kelly’s sudden disappearance from AEW, followed by his return, generated considerable speculation and varied reactions from fans. The situation intensified when Kelly publicly accused Ian Riccaboni of defamation and emphasized his own role within AEW before the AEW Revolution pay-per-view. It was later reported that Kelly’s absence was related to a legal issue. Since leaving AEW, Kelly has been involved in other pro wrestling projects.

As previously reported, three former AEW talents—announcer Kevin Kelly and wrestlers Brandon and Brendan Tate—have filed a lawsuit against the company and others. They submitted the lawsuit on August 30 in a Pennsylvania court. Their lawyers, Stephen P. New and Benjamin Baer, are challenging the arbitration clause in their contracts and asking the court to turn the case into a class-action lawsuit.

They argue that AEW is incorrectly classifying its wrestlers as independent contractors instead of employees. Kevin Kelly, whose real name is Kevin Foote, is also seeking money damages. He claims AEW broke his contract and harmed his chances of finding other job opportunities.

While speaking on Grilling JR, Jim Ross was asked about Kevin Kelly’s lawsuit against AEW. Jim Ross expressed skepticism about Kevin Kelly’s chances of success in his lawsuit against AEW. He mentioned that when wrestlers sign their contracts, they agree to the terms, including being classified as independent contractors. Ross believes that the plaintiffs, including Kevin Kelly and others, will likely run out of money before Tony Khan does and does not expect them to secure a settlement.

Ross criticized such lawsuits as frivolous and suggested that wrestlers should try to resolve issues before spending money on legal action. Ross also noted that he is not very familiar with the plaintiffs beyond knowing who they are and expressed sadness over Kelly’s departure from AEW, citing that Kelly was unhappy and seeking a larger role that was not available to him. Ross concluded by stating that he does not hold out hope for the independent contractor classification being overturned.

“Well, you sign your contract, you agree to the terms, and that would include being an independent contractor. I’ll say this: I guess the plaintiffs, Kevin Kelly and those guys, will run out of money before Tony Khan does. I don’t hold out much hope that they’re going to get any kind of settlement whatsoever, but maybe I’m wrong. I’m not a judge or a lawyer or anything along those lines. I don’t like those kinds of lawsuits; I think they’re frivolous. You would think that guys could get together and work out something before spending their money on a lawyer who’s probably doing it on a contingency basis—if you win, you get this; if you don’t win, no harm, no foul.

Well, there is harm and there is foul. But you knew what you were doing when you signed your deal. I’m not that familiar with those two wrestlers you’re talking about. I know who they are. Kevin Kelly’s been an old friend of mine for years. I was sad to see him leave the way he did; he wasn’t happy, and I think he wanted a bigger role that wasn’t available to him. It’s unfortunate and sad because he has a lot to offer. But as far as that independent contractor thing being thrown out and overruled, I don’t hold out any hope for that to happen.”

We’ll have to wait and see how the case unfolds in the coming months. Tony Khan is likely to vigorously defend AEW, and Jim Ross’s skepticism about the lawsuit’s outcome may prove accurate in the end.

Do you believe that Kevin Kelly’s lawsuit against AEW will fail? Let us know in the comments section below!

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