WWE Admits Defeat: AEW's Cody Rhodes Can Use His Full Name Again
Finally, the legal wrangling over Cody's name is done...
Cody Rhodes is finally free to use his full, original ring name for the first time since departing WWE in 2016.
It was confirmed yesterday that Vince McMahon's promotion had cancelled its trademark registration for "Cody Rhodes" on 2 November. WWE's trademark had expired back in November, though the AEW Executive Vice President had his own application for it rejected in July. Finally, four months later, WWE has relinquished its hold, meaning Rhodes no longer has to compete as just "Cody".
There have been resolutions in Cody's other trademark battles with WWE as well, with 'The American Nightmare' dropping his filings for "The Match Beyond" and "Slamboree" in October, seemingly freeing WWE to take control of them.
Cody celebrated the ability to use his full ring name again after last night's episode of Dynamite:-
Rhodes will defend his AEW TNT Championship against Darby Allin at Saturday's Full Gear 2020 pay-per-view. 'The American Nightmare' has a winning record over his rival at the moment, having scored two victories and a draw in their three previous matches. He addressed Allin to close last night's show, telling him he didn't have what it takes to be the company ace.