Placed On "final Warning" Pip The Day After Closing $1m Deal - Then Terminated With No Severance Or Explanation. What Are My Options?

Location: California

I was terminated from my sales position at a Fortune 500 fintech company and need advice on potential wage claims and wrongful termination.

Timeline:

• March 2025: Started as Enterprise Account Manager, exceeded targets at 110%
• November 13, 2025: Closed $1M deal, received company-wide recognition
• November 14, 2025: Placed on "Final Warning" PIP with zero prior warnings or documented performance issues
• November-December 2025: Manager never discussed PIP in weekly meetings, repeatedly said I was "doing great" and "confident I would pass"
• December 2025: PIP document removed from company system
• December 18, 2025: Sent written request for PIP clarity and objectives - no response
• January 9, 2026: Terminated. When asked which objectives I failed, neither manager nor HR could answer

Financial Issues:

1. Q4 2025 commissions: Not included in final paycheck. HR says "not calculated yet, will pay Feb 20 if any are owed." I closed multiple deals in Q4 including the $1M deal mentioned above.
2. Severance: None offered. HR stated decision is "final and non-negotiable."
3. Final wages: Final paycheck only covered through January 4, termination was January 9 (owed 5 days wages).

Documentation I have:

• Unanswered December 18 email requesting PIP clarity
• Screenshots of positive feedback during PIP period
• Slack messages where manager directed actions later cited in PIP as performance issues
• Complete timeline

Legal Questions:

1. Do I have a valid wage claim for unpaid Q4 commissions in California?
2. What does "if any commissions are owed" mean legally when I verifiably closed deals?
3. Should I file with the California Labor Commissioner now or wait until Feb 20?
4. Does the PIP timing (day after major deal) combined with unpaid commissions suggest termination to avoid payment?
5. Do I have any claim beyond unpaid wages given the circumstances?

I've requested my personnel file under CA Labor Code §1198.5. I'm consulting with advisors but want to understand my options before Feb 20 when commissions are supposedly being calculated.

Is this worth pursuing legally or should I accept that at-will employment means they can do this?