Anthem seeks court ruling to block Florida-based legal action
Summary
– Anthem Wrestling Exhibitions filed a lawsuit against Gail Kim in January 2026
– The company is asking the court to block any whistleblower claims under Florida law
– Anthem argues Kim was an independent contractor governed by Tennessee law
Gail Kim is now facing a legal challenge from the same company she helped elevate during TNA Wrestling’s formative years. Court filings reveal that Anthem Wrestling Exhibitions, LLC has taken legal action against the TNA Hall of Famer in Nashville Chancery Court.
The lawsuit, filed on January 10, 2026, stems from Kim’s indication that she may pursue claims under the Florida Private Whistleblower Act following her exit from the company in March 2025. Anthem is asking the court to prevent Kim from asserting any claims tied to Florida statutes.
According to the filing, Anthem maintains that Kim’s contract clearly states that Tennessee law governs all disputes. The company is also seeking a declaration that Kim was never an employee, but instead an independent contractor, which they argue disqualifies her from bringing employment-related claims.
Kim worked under a Services Agreement beginning in September 2022, handling responsibilities that included talent relations, match production, and business development. While the agreement expired at the end of 2024, it continued on a month-to-month basis before her departure.
Anthem’s filing emphasizes that Kim was issued 1099 tax forms, worked remotely, and was allowed to pursue outside projects as long as they did not involve direct competitors. The company cites her appearances on reality television shows during her tenure as further evidence of her contractor status.
The lawsuit also frames Kim’s exit as part of a broader internal restructuring rather than an isolated termination. Anthem notes that former Sports Group President Anthony Ciccione stepped down in May 2025 during the same period of organizational changes.
Anthem is asking the court to formally rule that Kim has no valid claims under Florida law and to block any future attempts to pursue them. The company is also seeking attorneys’ fees and court costs. As of the latest update, court records do not indicate whether Kim has been formally served, and no hearing dates have been scheduled.
Kim remains one of the most influential figures in women’s wrestling history. She played a central role in the creation of TNA’s Knockouts Division and was inducted into the company’s Hall of Fame in 2016 as its first female honoree.
