Major Update On Lawsuit Filed Against Cody Rhodes & WWE
There’s been a development in the lawsuit involving Cody Rhodes and WWE.
For years, the 40-year-old superstar has been involved in a trademark lawsuit against Wesley Eisold of American Nightmare, an American hardcore punk band.
Due to frustrations over his character progression, Rhodes left the Stamford promotion in 2016.
He then wrestled in the indies, adopting The American Nightmare as his moniker, which is an ode to his father Dusty Rhodes, whose nickname was the American Dream.
During his AEW run in 2019, Rhodes applied to trademark his moniker, but faced opposition from Eisold, who had trademarked it in 2016.
Both parties reached an agreement, allowing the Undisputed WWE Champion to use the trademark on his merchandise, provided Rhodes’ logo or his image was at least 75% larger than “American Nightmare.”
Cody Rhodes agreed and also paid Eisold a one-time fee of $30,000.
He continued to use the moniker after returning to WWE and registered a separate trademark, a stylized Crown design, that also included American Nightmare.
Eisold argued that WWE, Rhodes, and Fanatics had not adhered to their 2021 agreement of using the moniker in sizes smaller than 75%.
The musician then sent a cease-and-desist notice in 2024, but claimed his order was ignored.
Cody Rhodes, WWE-Wesley Eisold Lawsuit Finds Hearing Date
After Wesley Eisold filed a motion against Cody Rhodes and WWE, the Stamford promotion tried to get it dismissed, claiming it was not aware of the initial agreement, as the wrestler was not signed with them at the time.
Mike Johnson of PWInsider reports that a response must come from Eisold by September 12. The defendants have been given until September 26 to file their response.
Furthermore, the court will hear the motion regarding the dismissal of the case filed by the defendants on October 10. Also, the conference about when the case must be scheduled will be decided on October 31.
Also read: Cody Rhodes didn’t believe he could become WWE Champion.