WWE is trying again to trademark Randy Orton‘s famous RKO. The company has made a new filing after its previous attempt failed.
The company filed the application in November 2024, and the USPTO issued that decision in January 2026, although WWE later received extra time to respond or appeal. The application covers wrestling performances and entertainment-related services.
Why WWE refiled the RKO trademark
The earlier filing was rejected due to conflict with the historic Hollywood movie studio RKO Pictures, which already owns a similar trademark. The USPTO ruled both trademarks were too close for wrestling services.
The new filing describes, “Wrestling exhibitions and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer rendered through broadcast media including television and radio, and via the internet or commercial online service; providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network.”
WWE already owns several RKO trademarks for merchandise. The registrations don’t cover wrestling performance services, though, which is why the company filed another application. The new filing also comes during Randy Orton’s WWE absence.
He hasn’t appeared since losing to Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 42. Orton is absent from WWE television due to a combination of a reported long-standing back injury.
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