Lawsuit Filed Against Cody Rhodes & WWE

Trademarks are huge business nowadays, with millions of dollars potentially at stake. And now it has been reported by PostWrestling.com that on Wednesday, Wesley Eisold of the punk rock group American Nightmare filed a lawsuit against Cody Rhodes, WWE, and Fanatics on multiple grounds, including trademark infringement and breach of contract.

Records indicate the musician registered “American Nightmare” for use in music, clothing, and entertainment services back in 2016. However, he subsequently agreed Rhodes could use it in pro wrestling in exchange for $30,000 and that Rhodes’ name or image also featured on merchandise. Yet it’s claimed WWE and Fantantics have failed to do this, resulting in fans confusing the wrestler and the band.

“According to Eisold’s lawsuit, many items WWE is selling through Fanatics prominently display the “American Nightmare” phrase with little or no reference to Rhodes or use of wrestling imagery, which, the band leader claims, is confusing both fans of his band and WWE fans.”

39-year-old Rhodes started using the name “American Nightmare” as a play on his father Dusty Rhodes’ legendary nickname “American Dream” after being encouraged to use the moniker in New Japan. Still, it should be noted that before Rhodes ever adopted the name, his older brother Dustin used it in the 90s while working for WCW. Although, whether this prior usage by a family member will have any bearing on the lawsuit remains to be seen.