Tag: wwe trademarks

WWE files for ‘Showdown’ trademark after scrapping ‘Invasion’ name

Posted on by Joseph Currier

With WWE NXT having to rename its upcoming special with TNA Wrestling, a new trademark has been filed.

It was confirmed last night that the October 7 episode of NXT will no longer be named “Invasion.” The show will still have an NXT vs. TNA theme, but it will now be called “Showdown” instead. The episode will air live on The CW in NXT’s normal time slot.

WWE filed for the “Showdown” trademark on September 30, with it covering goods and services related to pro wrestling events:

Entertainment services, namely, a show about professional wrestling; entertainment services, namely, the production and exhibition of professional wrestling events rendered through broadcast media including television and distributed via various platforms across multiple forms of transmission media; providing wrestling news and information through broadcast media including television and distributed via various platforms across multiple forms of transmission media; providing information in the fields of sports and entertainment through broadcast media including television and distributed via various platforms across multiple forms of transmission media; providing a website in the field of sports entertainment information

An “Invasion” trademark had been filed by WWE on September 24, calling back to its WWF vs. WCW pay-per-view of the same name from 2001.

The reason for the change from “Invasion” to “Showdown” is likely due to WWE receiving criticism for planning to run an invasion-themed show on what would have been the two-year anniversary of Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attacks on Israel.

On TV, TNA Director of Authority Santino Marella explained the change by saying that TNA was not invading NXT — the two sides have a good relationship and this is just a showcase of their rosters.

Here is the card for the event:

  • NXT vs. TNA Survivor Series-style men’s match: Team NXT (Ricky Saints, Trick Williams, Myles Borne & Je’Von Evans) vs. Team TNA (Mike Santana, Frankie Kazarian, Moose & Leon Slater)
  • NXT vs. TNA Survivor Series women’s match: Team NXT (Jacy Jayne, Sol Ruca, Jaida Parker & Lola Vice) vs. Team TNA (Kelani Jordan, The IInspiration & Mara Sade)
  • Title for title: NXT Tag Team Champions DarkState vs. TNA Tag Team Champions The Hardys
  • NXT North American Champion Ethan Page defends against Mustafa Ali

WWE files trademarks for new Americano names

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE has officially filed trademarks for the new Americano names that were unveiled on Raw last night.

On Monday’s show, it was revealed that Los Americanos are going by the names “Rayo Americano” and “Bravo Americano” individually. The two — who are believed to be played by Pete Dunne & Tyler Bate — are part of a trio with El Grande Americano (Ludwig Kaiser).

Rayo & Bravo made their in-ring debuts last night, losing to AJ Styles & Dragon Lee. The tag team match took place on the same day that WWE applied to trademark the “Rayo Americano” and “Bravo Americano” names. In the application, it’s listed that the trademarks are for goods and services related to pro wrestling performances:

Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibitions and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer rendered live and through broadcast media including television and radio, and via the internet or commercial online service; providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network; providing information in the fields of sports and entertainment via an online community portal; providing a website in the field of sports entertainment information; fan club services, namely, organizing sporting events in the field of wrestling for wrestling fan club members; organizing social entertainment events for entertainment purposes for wrestling fan club members; providing online newsletters in the fields of sports entertainment; online journals, namely blogs, in the field of sports entertainment

WWE previously filed a trademark for the tag team name “Los Americanos” on September 22.

The El Grande Americano character was originally played by Chad Gable, who dawned the mask as he waged war with lucha libre. Since Gable was forced out of action with a shoulder injury, Kaiser has adopted the gimmick and WWE has expanded it into a full faction with the addition of Rayo & Bravo.

New WWE NXT wrestler name revealed after ‘PJ Vasa’ trademark filing

Posted on by Joseph Currier

We now know why WWE recently applied to trademark the term “PJ Vasa.”

On September 28, WWE made a trademark filing for “PJ Vasa” — which appeared to be the new name for an NXT talent. That’s now been confirmed with Performance Center recruit Penina Tuilaepa revealing that the moniker is for her. She posted a tweet about the new name and also updated her social media accounts to reflect the change.

“Happy Monday nosey mfs – PJ Vasa has entered the chat,” she wrote. “COME GET YO ISSUE #WWE #WWENXT”

Tuilaepa has a background in rugby and is of Samoan descent. She played rugby in college for Lindenwood University, along with playing for the Western Force in Australia.

Nicknamed “P Nasty,” Tuilaepa has been a cast member on both seasons of WWE LFG on A&E. She is currently a finalist on season two. Dani Sekelsky will be her opponent in the women’s finals.

The “PJ Vasa” trademark filing from WWE notes that it’s for goods and services related to pro wrestling performances:

Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibitions and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer rendered live and through broadcast media including television and radio, and via the internet or commercial online service; providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network; providing information in the fields of sports and entertainment via an online community portal; providing a website in the field of sports entertainment information; fan club services, namely, organizing sporting events in the field of wrestling for wrestling fan club members; organizing social entertainment events for entertainment purposes for wrestling fan club members; providing online newsletters in the fields of sports entertainment; online journals, namely blogs, in the field of sports entertainment

WWE files for new ‘Invasion’ trademark

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE has made a new trademark filing that looks to be related to NXT’s TNA invasion storyline.

On September 24, WWE applied to trademark the term “Invasion.” The application states that the trademark is to cover goods and services related to pro wrestling performances:

Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibitions and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer rendered live and through broadcast media including television and radio, and via the internet or commercial online service; providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network; providing information in the fields of sports and entertainment via an online community portal; providing a website in the field of sports entertainment information; fan club services, namely, organizing sporting events in the field of wrestling for wrestling fan club members; organizing social entertainment events for entertainment purposes for wrestling fan club members; providing online newsletters in the fields of sports entertainment; online journals, namely blogs, in the field of sports entertainment

Tuesday night’s NXT episode ended with an angle where — one week after voicing frustration with how NXT is treating them — TNA stars invaded NXT and brawled with the show’s roster. The episode was headlined by NXT Champion Oba Femi vs. TNA World Champion Trick Williams in a title vs. title match, which ended in a no contest due to the invasion.

Williams — an NXT star — has held the TNA World Championship since May. He has a title defense coming up against Mike Santana at TNA Bound for Glory on October 12. The story is that Santana has the chance to accomplish his goal of becoming World Champion along with bringing the title back home to TNA.

TNA is reported to be in discussions for a new TV deal with a WWE-associated network, with The CW and A&E both mentioned as options. The CW is also the broadcast home of NXT.

WWE files trademark for new Paul Heyman nickname

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE has filed a trademark for “The Oracle” — the nickname Paul Heyman is now going by after aligning with Seth Rollins and ditching Roman Reigns.

The filing was made on Monday (June 23), with Rollins also referring to Heyman as “my Oracle” on Raw that night. It’s a new title for Heyman after he was previously called an Advocate when he managed Brock Lesnar and a Wise Man when he managed Reigns.

WWE’s trademark application lists that it is for goods and services related to performances by a professional wrestling personality:

Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibitions and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer rendered live and through broadcast media including television and radio, and via the internet or commercial online service; providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network; providing information in the fields of sports and entertainment via an online community portal; providing a website in the field of sports entertainment information; fan club services, namely, organizing sporting events in the field of wrestling for wrestling fan club members; organizing social entertainment events for entertainment purposes for wrestling fan club members; providing online newsletters in the fields of sports entertainment; online journals, namely blogs, in the field of sports entertainment

One definition of the word oracle is “a person giving wise or authoritative decisions or opinions.”

Heyman turned against both Reigns and CM Punk at WrestleMania 41, helping Rollins defeat them in a triple threat match. Heyman now manages a faction that consists of Rollins, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed.

Rollins is in possession of the Money in the Bank briefcase and can cash it in for a title shot of his choosing at any point over the next year. His full promo from last night’s Raw can be watched below:

Trademark filed for ‘WWE Late Night’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

A new trademark filing could be hinting at plans for WWE to launch a new late night show.

On June 20, WWE filed to trademark the term “WWE Late Night.” The application says the filing is to cover goods and services related to hosting and producing live entertainment shows and comedy performances:

Entertainment services, namely, hosting and producing live comedic performances; entertainment services, namely, hosting and producing live entertainment shows; arranging and conducting entertainment events; providing a website in the field of entertainment

The filing was made by WWE through attorney Lauren Dienes-Middlen, who works for the promotion as their SVP, Deputy General Counsel.

There has been no word on whether WWE Late Night would be a regular broadcast/streaming show, digital content, or a live in-person event.

WWE presented an untelevised comedy show — “The Roast of WrestleMania” — following WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas this April. It was hosted by Tony Hinchcliffe with appearances by other comedians and WWE talent.

WWE files ‘Blake Monroe’ trademark for Mariah May’s new name

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE has officially applied to trademark “Blake Monroe” — the new in-ring name for Mariah May.

The former AEW Women’s World Champion made her NXT debut last week but was not identified by name during that appearance. Last night, it was revealed that she is now going by Blake Monroe. A video aired on NXT with May introducing herself and her new name to the audience.

WWE filed its trademark to secure the rights to the “Blake Monroe” name yesterday, with the application covering goods and services relating to performances by a professional wrestler:

  • Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibitions and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer rendered live and through broadcast media including television and radio, and via the internet or commercial online service; providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network; providing information in the fields of sports and entertainment via an online community portal; providing a website in the field of sports entertainment information; fan club services, namely, organizing sporting events in the field of wrestling for wrestling fan club members; organizing social entertainment events for entertainment purposes for wrestling fan club members; providing online newsletters in the fields of sports entertainment; online journals, namely blogs, in the field of sports entertainment

The new name was chosen by May as a reference to her niece Blake.

A contract signing for Blake Monroe will take place on NXT next week. When she makes her NXT in-ring debut, it will be the first time the former Mariah May has wrestled since losing to Toni Storm at AEW Revolution this March.

WWE files for ‘King of the Luchadores’ trademark

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE is in the process of applying for a new lucha libre-related trademark.

On May 18, WWE applied to trademark the term “King of the Luchadores.” The application is awaiting examination and is listed as covering the following goods and services:

  • Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibitions and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer rendered live and through broadcast media including television and radio, and via the internet or commercial online service; providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network; providing information in the fields of sports and entertainment via an online community portal; providing a website in the field of sports entertainment information; fan club services, namely, organizing sporting events in the field of wrestling for wrestling fan club members; organizing social entertainment events for entertainment purposes for wrestling fan club members; providing online newsletters in the fields of sports entertainment; online journals, namely blogs, in the field of sports entertainment

There’s no confirmation of what the trademark is for, but it could be related to Chad Gable’s “El Grande Americano” character — who is a fictitious lucha libre legend claiming to have a rich history of success in Mexico. Gable has adopted the persona in his quest to conquer lucha libre while feuding with some of WWE’s top luchadores like Penta and the LWO.

The trademark could also potentially have something to do with WWE’s acquisition of Lucha Libre AAA. WWE is presenting a Worlds Collide event before Money in the Bank in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 7 featuring wrestlers from WWE, NXT, and AAA.

A trademark filing was also made by WWE on May 11 for the term “King of the Lucas.” It appears that this new filing may be a correction of that.

WWE files trademark for ‘The Culling’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

A recent WWE trademark filing could have revealed a new faction name.

On March 2, WWE applied to trademark the term “The Culling.” The application is listed as covering the following goods and services:

  • Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibitions and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer rendered live and through broadcast media including television and radio, and via the internet or commercial online service; providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network; providing information in the fields of sports and entertainment via an online community portal; providing a website in the field of sports entertainment information; fan club services, namely, organizing sporting events in the field of wrestling for wrestling fan club members; organizing social entertainment events for entertainment purposes for wrestling fan club members; providing online newsletters in the fields of sports entertainment; online journals, namely blogs, in the field of sports entertainment

While there has been no confirmation of what the trademark is for, there are a couple of NXT groups that do not have names yet. A new faction debuted at Vengeance Day last month featuring Dion Lennox, Cutler James, Osiris Griffin & Saquon Shugars. Shawn Spears also leads a different faction that includes Brooks Jensen, Niko Vance & Izzi Dame.

Spears is challenging Tony D’Angelo for the NXT North American Championship tonight.

WWE files to trademark ‘Ricky Saints,’ two more terms

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE has officially applied to trademark Ricky Starks’ new in-ring name.

One week after his surprise debut, it was revealed on NXT that Starks is now going by the name “Ricky Saints.” A contract signing segment took place on Tuesday’s show with Starks confirming his addition to the NXT roster.

WWE filed to trademark the name “Ricky Saints” on Wednesday (February 19) with the application covering the following goods and services:

  • Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibitions and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer rendered live and through broadcast media including television and radio, and via the internet or commercial online service; providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network; providing information in the fields of sports and entertainment via an online community portal; providing a website in the field of sports entertainment information; fan club services, namely, organizing sporting events in the field of wrestling for wrestling fan club members; organizing social entertainment events for entertainment purposes for wrestling fan club members; providing online newsletters in the fields of sports entertainment; online journals, namely blogs, in the field of sports entertainment

It was only a matter of time that Starks would be signing with WWE once he was let out of his AEW contract — and he showed up on NXT just one day after his departure from AEW was confirmed. He was not identified by name during his debut or on WWE’s social media accounts until Ricky Saints was confirmed as his new name this Tuesday. His contract signing featured appearances by Ethan Page, Je’Von Evans, and Wes Lee.

Saints & Evans vs. Page & Lee will take place on NXT next week.

WWE also made trademark filings for the terms “WWE Rings, Rivals & Rumbles” and “WWE Superstar Central” on February 19. WWE Superstar Central is a channel that A&E has offered on Samsung TV Plus since 2024.

Those two trademarks are for the following goods and services:

  • Broadcasting services, namely television broadcasting, video broadcasting, Internet broadcasting, audio broadcasting and motion picture broadcasting; audio, text and video broadcasting services over the Internet and other communications networks featuring audio and video content; subscription-based audio and video broadcasting services; satellite transmission services; electronic transmission of audio, video, graphics, and data via computer networks; transmission and delivery of audiovisual content via the internet; video-on-demand transmission services; wireless communication services, including transmission of television programs and motion pictures to mobile devices; streaming of television programs, motion pictures, electronic media, audiovisual content, videos, pictures, images, text, and photos via computer and communication networks

WWE & Fanatics file to dismiss Cody Rhodes ‘American Nightmare’ trademark lawsuit

Posted on by Josh Nason

Image: WWE

In new documents filed Friday, both WWE and Fanatics are attempting to have a court dismiss a trademark lawsuit regarding Cody Rhodes’ use of the “American Nightmare” phrase.

The initial lawsuit was filed in September by Wesley Eisold, the lead singer and co-founder of the band American Nightmare who has held a trademark for the term since 2016 for use in “music, clothing and entertainment services.” Filed in California, the lawsuit alleges trademark infringement, breach of contract, and intentional interference with contractual relations.

First reported by Brandon Thurston, WWE and Fanatics are seeking to dismiss based on the premise that any “American Nightmare” text appears alongside the well-known skull logo Rhodes has tattooed on his neck that is also a registered trademark. By doing so, they feel they are meeting the conditions of Rhodes and Eisold’s previous settlement.

That settlement came after a March 2019 dispute for $30,000 when Rhodes applied for the trademark for wrestling-related activities. The terms were that Rhodes could use the term on merchandise “under the condition that such items prominently used Rhodes’ name, likeness, or wrestling-related imagery in a size at least 75% larger than the ‘American Nightmare’ text.”

One item Eisold claimed was evidence of any confusion between his band and WWE was a “Crown” t-shirt that doesn’t feature imagery of Rhodes or wrestling but uses the term instead. Eisold’s legal team reached out to Rhodes’ legal team in 2022 about the shirt, but claimed they never were responded to. Eisold’s team then sent cease and desist letters to both Rhodes and Fanatics in April and May 2024 with Fanatics referring them to WWE.

Rhodes was also named in the lawsuit, but has separate legal representation from WWE and Fanatics. However, Thurston reported that his legal team filed a joinder to the motion “which indicates Rhodes supports the WWE and Fanatics legal arguments and is asking the judge to apply the same reasoning to Eisold’s claims against him.”

WWE files for new ‘Saturday Night’s Main Event’ trademark

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Ahead of its likely return to NBC, WWE has applied for a new trademark for Saturday Night’s Main Event.

The filing was made on September 9 and is for the term “Saturday Night’s Main Event” relating to merchandising purposes. It’s listed as covering the following items:

Clothing, namely, tops, shirts, jackets, sweatshirts, hoodies; outerwear, namely, coats; bottoms, pants, shorts, underwear, dresses, pajamas, lingerie, clothing ties, scarves, gloves, swimwear; Halloween and masquerade costumes; footwear, namely, shoes, sneakers, slippers, flip flops, boots; headwear, namely, hats, caps; wrist bands as clothing; bandanas

Dave Meltzer confirmed last week that WWE will be announcing the return of Saturday Night’s Main Event soon. Four live in-ring specials per year on NBC are part of WWE and NBCU’s new deal for SmackDown’s return to USA Network. SmackDown will be back on the channel starting this Friday.

WrestleVotes reported that there’s been “internal speculation” within WWE that the first Saturday Night’s Main Event special back on NBC will take place this December.

Saturday Night’s Main Event originally existed from 1985-1992 and returned for a brief second run on NBC from 2005-2008. Recently, WWE has used the Saturday Night’s Main Event branding for its Saturday house shows.

WWE applies for ‘Caesar Sikoa’ trademark

Posted on by Ethan Renner

WWE has filed for a new trademark with potential ties to The Bloodline storyline.

WWE applied for a “Caesar Sikoa” trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office this week.

The filing has been accepted by the USPTO, but has yet to be finalized:

“LIVE/APPLICATION/Awaiting Examination

The trademark application has been accepted by the Office (has met the minimum filing requirements) and has not yet been assigned to an examiner.”

The trademark is for:

“Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibitions and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer rendered and through broadcast media including television and radio, and via the internet or commercial online service; providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network; providing information in the fields of sports and entertainment via an online community portal; providing a website in the field of sports entertainment information; fan club services, namely, organizing sporting events in the field of wrestling for wrestling fan club members; organizing social entertainment events for entertainment purposes for wrestling fan club members; providing online newsletters in the fields of sports entertainment; online journals, namely blogs, in the field of sports entertainment”

Whether the filing indicates a new name for The Bloodline’s de facto leader Solo Sikoa, or perhaps a new debuting character, remains to be seen.

WWE previously filed for a trademark for “Talla Tonga,” believed to be for Hikuleo, the brother of Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa who the company has signed.

WWE star Cody Rhodes files trademark for ‘The Renaissance Era’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Cody Rhodes thinks WWE is in the midst of a renaissance.

While speaking with Fox News Digital this week, Rhodes said he really likes “The Renaissance Era” as the name for this time period in WWE. Rhodes likes the term so much that he filed a trademark for it. The filing was made on April 3 with Cody Runnels (Rhodes’ real name) listed as the owner.

The trademark relates to merchandise and is listed as being for:

Entertainment in the nature of wrestling contests; Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibits and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer; Entertainment services, namely, live appearances by a professional wrestler and sports entertainer; Entertainment services, namely, personal appearances by a professional wrestler and sports entertainer; Entertainment services, namely, televised appearances by a professional wrestler and sports entertainer; Providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network; Providing online interviews featuring a professional wrestling and sports entertainment personality in the field of professional wrestling and sports entertainment for entertainment purposes

Rhodes told Fox News Digital that he likes the “Renaissance” term because of all the ways WWE is currently changing:

I’ve heard it coined as the Renaissance Era, and I really like that outlook on it. For me, as a wrestler, I’m most excited that we no longer have to stand in the shadow of the Attitude Era because of the last two years we’ve done better business than they ever did — and they did exceptional, unbelievable, amazing business. I’m only making comparisons on a black and white level, dollars and cents, in terms of what WWE’s been able to do over the last two years.

I mentioned Renaissance because of all the things we’re trying, the changing of the programming and also the characters. They now appeal differently. Every year has its signature thing. There was Hulkamania — eat your vitamins and say your prayers. There was the Attitude Era — the (Jerry) Springer-type crash TV.

Now, we have a more, reach-across-the-aisle and connect-to-the-audience-type relatable superstars. We still have larger than life, no doubt, but that’s all going into this very, like I said, Renaissance Era.

Paul “Triple H” Levesque also recently told Complex that he believes WWE is in another white-hot era like the Attitude Era right now.

Rhodes could usher in a new era for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship if he defeats Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40 night two this Sunday.

The first night of WrestleMania 40 will see Rhodes and Reigns clash as well. Rhodes & Seth Rollins are taking on Reigns & The Rock in a tag team match.

Trademark filed for ‘WWE Speed’ concept

Posted on by Joseph Currier

After debuting last Friday, WWE has officially filed a trademark for its new “WWE Speed” concept.

Before SmackDown last week, two off-air matches with WWE Speed branding took place. The matches had five-minute time limits with a point system. Wrestlers gain one point with a victory, lose one point with a loss, and no points are awarded for time limit draws.

Bronson Reed vs. Nathan Frazer and Cedric Alexander vs. Axiom were the first two WWE Speed matches to take place. It appears that the matches were filmed, but no broadcast details have been announced for WWE Speed. It’s possible that this was a pilot for a potential new TV show or digital media series.

On Monday (December 18), WWE applied to trademark “WWE Speed” for the following purposes:

Entertainment services, namely, a show about professional wrestling; entertainment services, namely, the production and exhibition of professional wrestling events rendered through broadcast media including television and distributed via various platforms across multiple forms of transmission media; providing wrestling news and information through broadcast media including television and distributed via various platforms across multiple forms of transmission media; providing information in the fields of sports and entertainment through broadcast media including television and distributed via various platforms across multiple forms of transmission media; providing a website in the field of sports entertainment information

Corey Graves and Kevin Patrick did commentary for last Friday’s WWE Speed matches.