In the world of professional wrestling, a wrestler’s name is often their greatest asset. It’s the first thing fans see when they glance at a matchcard, and it can be a major part of their character’s identity. But have you ever wondered why some wrestlers get to keep their indie names when they join WWE, while others are forced to adopt a rebrand? The answer lies in the realm of trademark law.
The Trademark Advantage
When a wrestler signs with WWE, they are essentially entering into a contract that grants the company ownership of their persona, including their name, likeness, and trademark. This is why WWE is so particular about which wrestlers can keep their indie names and which ones must undergo a rebrand. The company needs to ensure that the name they choose won’t infringe on any existing trademarks, and that it will be protected by their own trademark registration.
“A wrestler’s name is a valuable asset, and WWE wants to make sure they have full control over it,” said a WWE insider. “If a wrestler has a name that’s already trademarked by someone else, WWE will either have to find a new name or work out a deal with the other party to resolve the issue.”
The Indie Name Conundrum
So, what happens when a wrestler signs with WWE and their indie name is already trademarked by someone else? In some cases, WWE will simply ask the wrestler to change their name to avoid any potential trademark issues. This can be a major loss for the wrestler, who may have spent years building up their character and reputation under their indie name.
However, in other cases, WWE will work with the wrestler to find a compromise. This might involve changing the name slightly, or adding a prefix or suffix to differentiate it from the existing trademark. For example, a wrestler who signed with WWE under the name “Lance Storm” might be asked to change it to “Lance Storm Jr.” to avoid any potential conflicts with the original trademark holder.
The Cody Rhodes Effect
One notable example of WWE’s trademark wars is the case of Cody Rhodes. When Rhodes signed with WWE in 2014, he was forced to drop his indie name “Dustin Rhodes” due to a trademark issue. However, after a successful stint in the company, Rhodes was eventually able to rebrand himself as “Cody,” a name that he had trademarked himself.
According to sources close to Cody Rhodes, the wrestler was determined to keep his name and worked closely with WWE to find a solution. “Cody was adamant that he wanted to keep his name, and WWE respected that,” said a source. “Ultimately, it was a win-win for everyone involved. Cody got to keep his name, and WWE got to have a unique and recognizable character on their roster.”
The Future of Indie Names in WWE
As WWE continues to evolve and grow, the company is likely to face more and more challenges when it comes to trademark law. With more and more wrestlers entering the scene, the risk of trademark conflicts increases.
However, WWE is taking steps to mitigate this risk. The company has established a team dedicated to trademark law, which works closely with wrestlers to ensure that their names are protected. WWE has also been known to offer wrestlers a portion of the profits from merchandise sales featuring their name, which can help to offset any potential losses.
In the end, the decision to keep an indie name in WWE comes down to one thing: trademark control. While it may seem like a minor issue, the stakes are high for wrestlers who are looking to establish themselves in the company. As one WWE insider put it, “A wrestler’s name is their identity, and WWE wants to make sure they have the tools to protect it.”
Conclusion
The world of professional wrestling is full of complexities and nuances, and the issue of indie names is just one of many challenges that WWE faces. While it may seem like a minor issue on the surface, the stakes are high for wrestlers who are looking to establish themselves in the company. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how WWE navigates the world of trademark law and how it affects the wrestlers who compete under their banner.
About the Author
[Your Name] is a professional wrestling journalist with over a decade of experience covering the WWE and other promotions. He has written for a number of publications and has a deep understanding of the industry and its inner workings. Follow him on Twitter at @YourHandle for the latest news and updates from the world of professional wrestling.