It’s easy for us to call Cody Cody Rhodes. As fans, we’re all familiar with his family’s legacy and history, so it’s easy for us to call him Cody Rhodes. In fact, we have every time we’ve discussed him, but until today he’s been unable to use his family’s wrestling name. Now, Cody’s attempting to reclaim the trademark to Rhodes.
A name is recognition
Cody’s real name is Cody Runnels, and he’s been wrestling under Cody since leaving the WWE in 2016.
Like just about every name on their roster, the WWE owned the trademark for Rhodes. It’s how they protect their intellectual properties during and after a wrestler leaves their employment. It’s actually one of the reasons Vince McMahon has been taking so much heat for releasing 40% of his talent. Most of them are unable to use the names they’re recognized for, meaning they’ll have to start over from scratch and hope fans recognize them when they return to the Indie circuit.
When is the operative word since many remain shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown.
A wrestler’s name is as important, if not more so, than their gimmick, outfit, or in-ring presence. All of those come together to make them the larger than life people we know and love, but name recognition is what gets fans to buy the tickets.
How many venues have the names Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, and Bruiser Brody sold out? We flock to names we recognize, and by trademarking them, the WWE maintains control over them and the wrestlers. A perfect example is Ryback, who is still fighting with the WWE to release his name — one he used before signing with the WWE.
Trademark expired
All of that is moot now, as WWE’s claim on the trademark for Rhodes ran out in October 2019. The promotion had a six month window to re-file to retain it, but they didn’t and it expired.
Cody filed to trademark the name on Monday, April 13, 2020. His application is for merchandise and general pro wrestling use. This could even take away the WWE’s ability to use Dusty Rhodes, Cody and Dustin’s father, without his permission, but Cody and Dustin have allowed them to use different things Dusty related previously, so that will probably continue.
The descriptions filed with the United States Patent & Trademark Office (special thanks to wrestlingnews.co for the information.)
“G & S: Bandanas; Hats; Hooded sweatshirts; Jackets and socks; Pants; Shirts; Sweatshirts”
“G & S: Entertainment in the nature of wrestling contests; Entertainment services, namely, live appearances by a professional wrestling and sports entertainment personality; Entertainment services, namely, personal appearances by a professional wrestler and sports entertainment personality; Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibits and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer; Providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network; Providing online interviews featuring a professional wrestler and sports entertainer in the field of professional wrestling and sports entertainment for entertainment purposes.”
Assuming this will go through without any complications, it’s going to be great to see Cody use the name Rhodes again on television on AEW Dynamite. There’s something special about that name that brings back the fondest memories of our childhood and some of the greatest moments in professional wrestling history.
It’s good to see the name return home where it belongs.
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