Cody Rhodes Clears Up Copyright Situation About WWE Keeping His Name

Cody Rhodes really wants to be allowed to use his father’s famous last name in AEW. That can’t happen because Cody was “Cody Rhodes” in WWE first. They own the name, and they recently pulled a trick to keep it.

Rhodes tweeted out in response to a fan who took a shot at WWE. The Cody Rhodes trademark did expire in April, and the American Nightmare was quick to register it. Then WWE came around in May and filed for an extension claiming that COVID-19 kept them from making the deadline.

Cody Rhodes made it clear that the story isn’t as scandalous as some fans might think. He holds no grudge against WWE because they know that Cody Rhodes’ brand is worth big money to them even if he’s not “in their house.”

It’s not as sultry/scandalous as reported. It’s just business. They’ve seen the same data we have, and they know they can make big money off the brand(even though it’s not in their house). Trying to license me is flattering, but it doesn’t stop this train from moving. No grudge.

Advertising

Advertising

We’ll have to see what the future holds for the Cody Rhodes name. WWE isn’t letting it go even though using the name would promote someone who is currently an EVP for a competing company.

Cody Rhodes seems to be okay about this publicly. It would be fascinating to know what he says in private about the situation. To his credit, Cody has been able to keep a pretty cool demeanor through WWE using a lot of names connected to his family including the Great American Bash.