Ric Flair Suing WWE Over "The Man" Trademark?

'The Nature Boy' threatens legal action over re-appropriated catchphrase.

by Andy H Murray
Ric Flair Becky Lynch
WWE

Significant legal tension is brewing between WWE and Ric Flair, who has now declared war on the promotion for their continued use of "The Man" to market Becky Lynch.

Though the story originally broke last week, TMZ have posted a new writeup today, in which 'The Nature Boy' notes he has been calling himself 'The Man' since 1981 and still holds a trademark for his "to be the man, you gotta beat the man" catchphrase.

Flair told TMZ he tried to come to an amicable, private agreement in which WWE would pay him to allow Lynch to keep using her popular nickname. The company declined. Flair then escalated the situation with Triple H, and again, this failed, so he failed a trademark application for "The Man" (relating specifically to pro-wrestling activities) on 26 August.

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While Flair claims to have no problem with Lynch herself, he says that the situation has caused a rift between him and WWE, and also one with daughter Charlotte. He notes that if he's granted the trademark, he'll let Becky keep using "The Man" as long as he gets paid: "I want it to take care of my family."

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.