Cody Rhodes Slapped with Lawsuit by Punk Band Singer Over “American Nightmare” Trademark

Cody Rhodes has a special ability to connect with fans, which has been a big factor in his journey to becoming the Undisputed WWE Champion. He is always referred to as the “American Nightmare” but it appears he has now been slapped with a lawsuit by a punk band singer over this very moniker due to a trademark dispute.

According to a report by Boston Herald, the lead singer of Boston hardcore punk band American Nightmare, Wesley Eisold, has sued Cody Rhodes over using the band’s name on clothing and merchandise. Eisold claims this violates an agreement they made, as per court documents.

Eisold, who trademarked “American Nightmare,” opposed Rhodes’ attempt to trademark “The American Nightmare” as his brand. They reached an agreement allowing Rhodes to use “The American Nightmare” on merchandise only if it clearly displayed his name, image, or wrestling symbols, taking up at least 75% of the design.

Eisold claims Rhodes has ignored this deal by selling clothes labeled “American Nightmare” without any reference to Rhodes or wrestling, causing confusion between fans of the band and the wrestler. Eisold’s lawsuit states that fans often accidentally buy the other’s merchandise due to the similarity, claiming that there is “widespread confusion” among the fanbases of the band and wrestler.

The lawsuit also accuses WWE and Fanatics of pushing Rhodes to break the agreement. Court documents reveal that within a year of their deal, a band fan contacted Eisold about Rhodes’ merchandise, which they felt misused the band’s trademarked name.

Eisold is asking the court for at least $900,000 for what he claims is a breach of their agreement. Cody Rhodes has not yet responded to the lawsuit but has until November 15 to do so.

We will have to wait and we whether Cody Rhodes will respond to the lawsuit and perhaps the parties involved will end up agreeing on a settlement so that they can avoid a lengthy legal struggle. In the meantime, fans will simply hope that this matter is resolved in the best way possible.

Do you believe this lawsuit has legitimate grounds against Cody Rhodes? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.