Former IMPACT Wrestling star Joey Ryan filed a lawsuit against Anthem Wrestling LLC., parent company for IMPACT Wrestling for breach of contract.
According to PWInsider, the lawsuit was filed last month in Nashville, TN, and served to the company on 9/24. Ryan has filed six lawsuits in total, many against women who made accusations against him during the #Speakingout movement.
According to the lawsuit filing, Joey Ryan signed a contract with IMPACT Wrestling on 9/1/19, and was set to run through 8/31/21. Ryan claims the contract was breached after the company terminated his deal due to allegations levied against him.
Ryan states Scott D’Amore sent him an email indicating he would no longer be booked due to “recent allegations” , and the company would be “making a public statement to this effect shortly”.
After Ryan receieved that email, he was sent a formal release notice, with his end date with the company “amended” to 6/22/20.
The following excerpts were included in the filing.
- Anthem Wrestling “failed to perform as guaranteed in the express language of the Contract by failing to follow and abide by the terms prescribed in Article VIII. Term and Termination.”
- Anthem Wrestling “failed to perform as guaranteed by failing to adhere to the express terms prescribed in Section 8.03 (a)-(i)
The filing also included a copy of his contract with IMPACT Wrestling, which included several causes the company can take against talent.
Below is an excerpt from his IMPACT Wrestling contract.
(g) Wrestler commits any act with Promoter believes, in its reasonable business judgment, would damage Wrestler’s or Promoter’s reputation and/or that of its affiliate, licensees, or assigns or otherwise damages the value or integrity of the Programs, the Works or the Merchandise of which could subject Wrestler to criminal prosecution;
(h) Wrestler commits any act (other than in character in accordance with direction provided to Wrestler by Promoter’s Creative team) which places or could place Wrestler or Promoter (or any of its affiliates) in a patently negative light; or
(i) Any instance of a violation for which Wrestler has already received a warning, reprimand or notification therof, provided, however, that in the case of a breach under paragraphs (a), (b), (f), (g),or (h), Promoter shall provide Wrestler with written notice of breach and a 5 day cure period. If the Wrestler is unable to cure such breach after the expiration of the foregoing cure period despite the exercise of diligent efforts to cure same, then the Parties shall make good faith efforts for a period of not less than thirty (30) days to work together in good faith to resolve the matter, failing which Promoter shall be entitled to terminate this Agreement upon the expiry of such additional thirty (30) day period. In the event of the suspension and/or termination of the Term of this Agreement (or promoter’s obligations hereunder) Promoter shall have no further obligation to Wrestler hereunder (during such suspension and/or following such termination, as applicable) subject only to Promoter’s obligation to pay royalties and to compensate Wrestler for services fully performers prior to the date of termination. Promoter shall not be deemed to be in breach of any of its obligations under this Agreement unless and until Promoter shall have received written notice from Wrestler (specifying in detail the alleged breach and making specific reference to this paragraph and shall have failed to cure such alleged breach within thirty (30) days thereof.”
He is seeking a judgement of $10 million, and is also requesting he is awarded attorney fees for the case. Anthem Wrestling has until 10/24 to respond to the complaint.
