AEW sues Queen of the Ring producers over unpaid sponsorship fees

It was reported by PostWrestling.com that AEW has filed a lawsuit against Ring Productions LLC, the company behind Queen of the Ring, alleging it is owed more than $105,000 in unpaid sponsorship fees and expenses related to promoting the film.

According to the lawsuit, Ring Productions agreed to pay AEW approximately $350,000 under a January of 2025 sponsorship deal that included sponsored matches, front-row appearances by the film’s cast, trailer airings during AEW events, and social media promotion by AEW talent. While the company paid $250,000 by May 2025, AEW claims it still owes $100,000 in sponsorship fees, more than $5,000 in talent travel expenses, and interest on the late payments.

Queen of the Ring, which was released in March of 2025, starred Emily Bett Rickards as Mildred Burke and featured AEW talent Toni Storm, Kamille, and Britt Baker, along with appearances by Jim Cornette, Mickie James, and Trinity Fatu. The film grossed $657,718 at the box office.

The lawsuit states that AEW attempted to collect the outstanding balance through multiple emails and a formal demand letter before filing suit on June 26th 2026, in Duval County, Florida. The filing also claims Ring Productions COO Paul Leighton acknowledged that the company owed $105,262.51, although that alleged communication has not been included as evidence. Ring Productions has not yet filed a response to the lawsuit.