AEW’s legal dispute with former talent Ryan Nemeth has taken another turn, with the promotion accusing him of actively evading service of process. To address the alleged evasion, AEW requested additional time from the court to complete service, a plea that Magistrate Judge Patricia Barksdale ultimately granted on September 4.
According to reports, AEW filed the motion on September 3, asserting that Nemeth’s efforts to avoid being served are obstructing the legal proceedings. In addition to approving the extension, Judge Barksdale issued a stern warning, stating that if Nemeth and his legal counsel continue to monitor the docket, Nemeth could be held liable for the expenses incurred during the service process.
The procedural hurdles stem from AEW’s broader effort to move its conflict with Nemeth into private arbitration in Florida. AEW argues that Nemeth’s contract mandates that any disputes be resolved through arbitration in Duval County, where the company is headquartered. However, the path to arbitration became complicated in July when the judge denied AEW’s request to keep three key contracts entirely sealed. Instead, the court ordered the promotion to either provide redacted versions of the documents or exclude them from the arbitration proceedings entirely.
While the underlying dispute involves Nemeth, AEW, Tony Khan, and CM Punk, the immediate focus remains on whether AEW can successfully serve the initial legal paperwork on Nemeth.
AEW yesterday asked for more time to serve Ryan Nemeth. AEW believes he’s evading being served. Magistrate Judge Barksdale today allowed the extension.
“In the event the defendant and his counsel are monitoring the docket,” the judge warns Nemeth may be responsible for expenses. pic.twitter.com/hYKCEAUVQD— Brandon Thurston (@BrandonThurston) September 4, 2026
