"TK is about to release the footage," "He's a joke" - Fans react after wrestling veteran announces he's suing AEW after they fired him

AEW recently parted ways with a veteran talent with notable runs in WWE and NJPW, as well as other promotions. The release came amid major controversy, and now fans are responding to a recent threat of legal action against Tony Khan.

Kevin Kelly began his pro wrestling career in 1991. He has worked as a manager, wrestler, ring announcer, producer, and commentator, among other roles, in and out of the industry. The ECWA Hall of Famer made his name during a seven-year run with WWE, then went to work for MLW, ROH, and NJPW. While with New Japan, the New York City native joined AEW as a part of the broadcast team for the inaugural Collision episode. He was fired in March after an online incident where he accused All Elite announcer Ian Riccaboni of career sabotage.

The former WWE Byte This! host issued a concerning statement shortly after his release, which included an accusation of libel. Kelly first began teasing legal action in late April in an exchange with Jim Cornette. The 57-year-old then appeared on Eric Bischoff's Wise Choices podcast this week and said he plans to sue AEW for being unjust to him, noting that he only ever wanted an apology from Riccaboni.

The world of wrestling has had mixed reactions to Kelly's legal threats against AEW. However, the loyal All Elite fans quickly came to the defense of Khan, while taking shots at Kelly. Check out a few of the reactions below:

"A) This lawsuit will go nowhere. B) Why announce you're going to sue on a podcast that routinely ridicules the company you're going to sue......does his lawyer want him to lose before he files anything?" one fan wrote.

While some fans are disagreeing with Kelly for various reasons, others are using the debacle to take shots at Khan and his wrestling companies. There are also some fans wondering why Riccaboni wasn't punished. A few reactions can be seen below:

"Good. I don't understand why Ian wasn't punished for starting job-related drama on a Discord server. I can only assume that Ian's political outlook aligns more with Tony's?" wrote one fan.

"Good. AEW is a disgusting environment, it’s been a long time coming," another fan chimed in.

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Kevin Kelly dishes on working for Tony Khan in AEW

Veteran pro wrestling talent Kevin Kelly made some interesting comments about Tony Khan after being released from the company earlier this year.

During a K&S WrestleFest virtual signing, the 57-year-old talked about his experience working for Khan in All Elite Wrestling. He praised the staff but did not share the same sentiments about his former boss.

"While I was there, it was a lot of, 'Hurry up and wait for Tony Khan to make a decision.' Because every decision went through him. You know, picking out the color of the paint on the wall, you know what I mean? He has good people, he has tons of good people involved, why couldn’t he delegate more? Well, because … You have to ask him. And that’s where it is," Kevin Kelly said.

Kelly was still doing English commentary for NJPW when he signed with AEW on June 17, 2023. He called the inaugural Collision episode with Jim Ross and Nigel McGuinness, then announced 3 months later that he'd be leaving NJPW in 2024. Khan fired Kelly on March 8.