Cody could be getting his last name back.
WWE has had the trademark for "Cody Rhodes" since June 2007 when Cody first joined the promotion. When Cody left WWE in 2016, he didn't use the Rhodes last name on the Independent scene and has kept just his first name in AEW.
In October 2019, Cody said he could use the Rhodes name without an issue.
"I can use it, I won't use it, though. This is not the romantic Game of Thrones answer everyone wants. The reason I don't use it is because I got so used to being '"The American Nightmare" Cody' in Japan. I love that. I love the idea of trying my damndest to get a single name over. I got the rub off Dusty and my family long enough. I don't mind not using it. You'll see it every now and then. Some people, they already know. By no means is WWE holding that name hostage. That is not a real thing. If I was to walk out tomorrow lower thirded as 'Cody Rhodes,' announced as 'Cody Rhodes,' nobody's going to sue us. Nobody's coming after us. There's a lot of respect between the families that are involved here. I just like using my first name."
However, this didn't stop Cody from filing to trademark "Cody Rhodes" on the day WWE's trademark expired.
WWE received a notice on October 13, 2018 letting them know that the "Cody Rhodes" trademark was set to expire in one year should they not re-apply. They would also be given a six-month grace period, meaning the trademark would expire on April 13, 2020.
April 12, 2020 came and went without WWE re-filing for the trademark. And on April 13, Cody filed to trademark the name under the following description:
IC 025. US 022 039. G & S: Bandanas; Hats; Hooded sweatshirts; Jackets and socks; Pants; Shirts; Sweatshirts
IC 041. US 100 101 107. G & S: Entertainment in the nature of wrestling contests; Entertainment services, namely, live appearances by a professional wrestling and sports entertainment personality; Entertainment services, namely, personal appearances by a professional wrestler and sports entertainment personality; Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibits and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer; Providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network; Providing online interviews featuring a professional wrestler and sports entertainer in the field of professional wrestling and sports entertainment for entertainment purposes
It is unknown if Cody will use the Rhodes name on television. He has said in the past that he continues to file trademarks that WWE may want in hopes they will trade him for the Starrcade trademark. You can view his full comments by clicking here.
