Gail Kim and TNA Wrestling Head to Mediation in Ongoing Legal Dispute

A legal battle between TNA Wrestling’s parent company, Anthem Wrestling Exhibitions, LLC, and wrestling Hall of Famer Gail Kim is set to enter mediation on June 24th, according to recent court filings. The dispute stems from a lawsuit filed by Anthem in January 2026, following Kim’s notification to the company that she believed she had potential legal claims under the Florida Private Whistleblower Act after her departure in March 2025.

Background of the Legal Dispute

Anthem filed the lawsuit in the Nashville Chancery Court in Davidson County, Tennessee, seeking to have any disputes governed by Tennessee law rather than Florida statutes [Wrestling Inc.]. The company argues that Kim was classified as an independent contractor throughout her tenure, and therefore not eligible to pursue claims under Florida law.

Court documents reveal that Kim’s initial agreement with TNA, signed in September 2022, outlined responsibilities including talent relations, match production, performer services, and identifying new revenue opportunities [Ringside News]. This agreement expired at the conclude of 2024, continuing on a month-to-month basis until Anthem decided to restructure.

Mediation Scheduled for June 24th

Both Anthem Wrestling Exhibitions, LLC and Gail Kim have agreed to enter mediation in an attempt to resolve the dispute before proceeding to trial [Wrestling Headlines]. Kim has been granted an extension on her response deadline until after the mediation session.

The specific nature of Kim’s potential claims remains undisclosed in the lawsuit, but Anthem is seeking a court ruling that all disputes should be governed by Tennessee law, preventing Kim from asserting claims under Florida statutes, including the Florida Private Whistleblower Act, the Florida Civil Rights Act, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 [Wrestling Inc.].

Kim’s Role and Contract Status

According to Anthem, Kim operated as an independent contractor, not an employee, and therefore was not entitled to benefits such as pension, profit sharing, medical insurance, or paid time off [Wrestling Inc.]. She was also permitted to work for other companies, excluding those deemed competition by Anthem.

The outcome of the mediation remains to be seen, but the move suggests both parties are open to finding a resolution outside of court.