Michael Elgin filed a lawsuit against IMPACT Wrestling on February 8, claiming breach of contract.
According to PWInsider, Elgin (Aaron Frobel) is seeking “not less than” five million dollars in compensatory damages from a “material breach” of his "Anthem Wrestling Exhibitions, Professional Wrestler Booking Agreement", specifically financial incentives to be paid to him for his in ring performances, training, social media, merchandise and royalties.
Elgin was suspended by IMPACT in June 2020 after allegations against him during the Speaking Out movement. He would remain suspended until "further review" into the allegations were complete. He did not return to IMPACT television. His contract with the company expired on March 1.
Elgin states in the lawsuit that Scott D'Amore, Executive Vice President for IMPACT Wrestling, announced on June 22, 2020 that two wrestlers were terminated and that he was being "suspended, pending an investigation into allegations."
He claims that in conversations with D'Amore, "he was told there would be no investigation into allegations." He also alleges that, on or about December 10, 2010, D'Amore confirmed there was no investigation by email, stating, "the company's decision not to utilize you in further programming was not based on any investigation beyond the public disclosures (and your responses thereto) at the time." A copy of the email was entered as an exhibit into the lawsuit.
The lawsuit also alleges that he was requested by Pro Wrestling NOAH to perform at a December 2020 event at Nippon Budokan, but "Defendant unilaterally canceled Plaintiff's appearance, severely damaging Plaintiff's reputation in Japan."
In the lawsuit, he claims, "a career in wrestling is not comparable to a normal employment opportunity. The wrestler's reputation and fame is dependent upon the entertainment and content company to deliver television programming to the mutual benefit of the wrestler and entertainment company."
The lawsuit has included a copy of his Anthem Wrestling Booking Agreement (signed April 11th, 2019). In that filing a medical release Elgin signed for New Japan Pro Wrestling in March 2019, discharging that company for any liability related to an injury suffered in November 2018 in exchange for $4,145,85.
Elgin released a video, which fans can see above, explaining his decision to sue the company. He says that public perception is that he was fired, but that there was no investigation and he was paid by IMPACT until his contract expired.
IMPACT was served with the lawsuit on February 11. They have 30 days to respond.
Fightful will update fans on the situation as more is known.
