WWE has made another attempt to secure the rights to one of its most recognizable move names. The company has filed a new trademark application for “RKO” in the United States, the signature finishing move of Randy Orton, after a previous effort was denied.
According to the filing, WWE’s earlier application to trademark “RKO” for wrestling performances was rejected by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The denial was due to a conflict with an existing trademark already registered in the same category.
The issue stems from similarities with the “RKO” trademark held by RKO Pictures, a well-known Hollywood film studio. That trademark is registered under the IC 041 category, which includes entertainment services. Because WWE’s application also falls within that category, the overlap created a legal obstacle.
Despite the setback, WWE does already hold active trademarks for “RKO” in other categories. Those registrations primarily cover merchandise, allowing the company to continue using the term on products without issue. However, securing the name specifically for wrestling performances remains a separate matter.
The new filing indicates WWE is continuing efforts to gain broader control over the use of the term within its programming. If approved, it would strengthen the company’s rights tied directly to in-ring performances and branded content associated with the move.
The trademark development comes as Randy Orton remains absent from WWE television. Orton was in line for a potential WWE Championship win at WrestleMania 42 before creative direction changed due to injury.
Orton’s RKO remains one of the most well-known finishing moves in WWE history, making the trademark an important asset for the company as it looks to protect its intellectual property.
WA on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wrestlingattitude/
WA on Facebook (Women's Wrestling) - https://www.facebook.com/WrestlingDivas/
WA on X/Twitter - https://x.com/wa_wrestling
WA on Instagram (Women's Wrestling) - https://www.instagram.com/wa_wrestlingattitude/
WA on Google News - https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMJf3owsw2oG8Aw
WA on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/wrestlingattitude.bsky.social
