Ric Flair Discusses Issue With WWE Over The Man Trademark

Ric Flair willfully transferred control over the trademark to “The Man” to WWE back in the spring of 2020. The company obviously used the nickname for Becky Lynch during her enormous babyface run. Flair said he allowed WWE to have the name out of respect for Lynch, who later disassociated herself from the Nature Boy after allegations of Flair’s sexual misconduct resurfaced.

On the most recent episode of his podcast, Ric Flair attempted to set the record straight about his tussle with WWE over the trademark. He said that not many wrestlers own their intellectual property. He wants back what he believes is his.

“I owned the trademark ‘To Be the Man,’ if I own that trademark and then they use that trademark to create ‘The Man’ [Becky Lynch], which has been my label my entire career. I thought it up, it’s mine and I own it and I’m one of the few guys that own my intellectual property.

Steve doesn’t own Stone Cold, believe it or not, I don’t think it’s right and he should have it but when they get a hold of it, they’re going to keep it. They have their reasons and I’m not the one making those calls. I own my stuff.

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…Hunter told me that Stone Cold is trademarked. I said ‘Why don’t you call her The Game?’ He said that’s trademarked too, I said ‘So is The Man?’ He said ‘No it’s not, To Be the Man and The Man are two different things. Please. It’s old news now, it’s behind us but let’s get the facts straight, they still don’t own it. And if I get a chance and I get cleared legally, I’m going to go back and get it.”

Becky Lynch called the entire situation sad. She said Flair is just trying to promote his next venture after being cancelled from the wrestling world by latching on to her fame. Flair says he just wants what’s his.

Do you think Ric Flair is entitled to the “The Man” nickname? Let us know in the comments.

Thanks to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.