wrestlers names

Question
Hi there.

I've noticed that the WWE trademarks wrestlers' names even where a wrestler uses their real name, eg Randy Orton, John Cena, Ted DiBiase, Matt Hardy etc. How can they stop a wrestler using their real name in another promotion (admittedly Jeff Hardy has continued to use that name in TNA)?

Answer
Well thats the thing Mark, they can't stop them from using their real name anywhere else. They allow the WWE to use it when they are with the promotion, then after they can no longer use it without paying them.

Cena actually went by the name, "The Prototype" in OVW before he came up. Then the WWE wanted him to use his real name. It is still a wonder as to why they did.

People like DiBiase and Orton are second generation wrestlers, which is why the WWE kept their names.

However, Goldust, who is played by Dustin Runnels, Dusty (Rhodes)Runnels' son, the WWE only allowed him to use that character in the WWE despite him inventing it. Which is why he was Black Reign in TNA. And he goes by Dustin Rhodes in the WWE some aswell. Also, Cody Rhodes can't use the Rhodes name outside the WWE because it's not his real last name, it's Runnels, just like the rest of his family.

The WWE realizes now that people can just leave out of no where, which is why they make sure to change all the names of people coming in now, with the exception of second or third generation guys and gals. But some of them have even been given different names.