In a world where wrestling giants jostle for dominance, the WWE is making clear its intention to exploit every facet of its vast intellectual property holdings. A series of new trademark filings suggest that the company may soon be reviving some of the most iconic event names from ECW’s storied past, but to what end?
Recent documents show WWE has secured trademarks for ECW classics: Barely Legal, CyberSlam, and Massacre On 34th Street. These are all names that longtime wrestlingfans will recognize. Notably, Barely Legal was ECW’s inaugural pay-per-view, headlined by the memorable bout in which Terry Funk triumphed over Raven for the ECW World Heavyweight Championship. The other two aren’t to be overshadowed either: Massacre On 34th Street, one of ECW’s final PPVs, and CyberSlam, the innovative interactive convention that ran from 1996 until ECW’s unfortunate demise in 2001.
But these aren’t the only ECW-related trademarks WWE has secured. It has also snapped up Hardcore Heaven, fueling speculation about how the company plans to utilize these classic titles, but many are wondering, why now?
One can’t help but notice the timing. NXT, WWE’s developmental brand, has been known for adopting and modernizing old event names, infusing them with fresh energy and vigor. It successfully brought back The Great American Bash and whispers now abound that these newly trademarked ECW events could be next on the docket for NXT’s premium live events.
Some fans theorize that the move might be a calculated response to Rob Van Dam’s cameo on AEW, suggesting WWE’s intent to solidify its claim on all things ECW. It certainly wouldn’t be the first time the WWE has tried to steal AEW’s thunder.
Whether this is a reaction to competitors or just a strategic dive into a treasure trove of wrestling history, only time will tell.
Yet, it’s not only about past event names. WWE is casting a protective net over key personal brands as well. Names like Ikemen Jiro and Trish Stratus have been trademarked, ensuring that these assets, both old and new, remain under the WWE umbrella. Stratus, a veritable legend in women’s wrestling, has been particularly active this year, setting the stage for a high-stakes Steel Cage showdown with Becky Lynch.
And while we’re on the topic of modern endeavors, let’s not forget New Day: Feel The Power. This podcast, hosted by the charismatic trio of Big E, Kofi Kingston, and Xavier Woods, might have stalled in terms of new content since 2021, but WWE seems determined to keep its brand intact. Perhaps this move hints at a revival of the podcast, capitalizing on The New Day’s enduring popularity in spite of Big E’s possible permanent hiatus.
What’s clear is WWE is in no mood to rest on its laurels. While some critics argue that NXT gets the cool event names, leaving the main roster with generic monikers like Payback and Fastlane, it’s evident WWE is looking to blend the past and the present. The resurrection of ECW classics could be the shot in the arm the company needs, rekindling old flames for veteran fans while introducing newer audiences to the rich tapestry of wrestling history.
All eyes are now on WWE, as fans, competitors, and pundits alike wait to see how these moves will shape the future of professional wrestling.
For now, fans can look forward to Edge’s possible retirement on the August 18 episode of Friday Night SmackDown.
