WWE Embroiled In Trademark Battle With Top AEW Star, Recently Released Talent

AEW star and Executive Vice President Cody may have more than one war on is hands as it pertains to going head-to-head with WWE.

The top star, who recently punched his ticket to the finals of the TNT Championship Tournament which will air during the May 23 Double or Nothing pay-per-view, has recently moved to file several trademarks, including one for his original ring name Cody Rhodes.

Rhodes was sure to file almost immediately after WWE’s 10-year trademark on the name—dating back to October of 2009—expired after a six-month grace period.

On November 13, Rhodes also filed merchandise and entertainment trademarks for the following terms:

• “Slamboree,” a vintage WCW pay-per-view created by his father, Dusty Rhodes.
• “Dusty Rhodes,” Cody’s legendary deceased father.
• “The Match Beyond,” a nickname for WarGames which AEW attempted to reimagine as Blood and Guts before the match was cancelled due to COVID-19.

While WWE has not opposed the trademark for “Dusty Rhodes” as of this writing, it filed to oppose trademarks for “Slamboree” and “The Match Beyond” on April 23. WWE is doing the same with recently released Superstars The Revival, now known as The Revolt, for the following terms:

• “No Flips, Just Fists,” on April 30
• “No Flips Just Fists,” (with no comma) on February 24
• #FTRKO, filed on January 7

Both The Revolt and Rhodes share the same trademark lawyer, in Michael Dockins of Schumaker, Loop & Kendrick. The Revolt is widely believed to be AEW bound, and after being cleared to compete upon release with no non-compete, the duo could show up as early as this coming Wednesday’s first live AEW show in a month from Daily’s Place in Jacksonville.

The Revolt’s likeness was once again featured on Being the Elite (BTE), as clouds in the sky spelled the letters “FTR.” AEW announcer Tony Schiavone had previously name-dropped The Revival on Episode 195 of BTE.