A trademark dispute has erupted between punk rock frontman Wesley Eisold and Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes over the use of the name “American Nightmare.” Eisold, who leads the Boston-based hardcore punk band American Nightmare, filed a lawsuit in California federal court alleging Rhodes violated their previous trademark agreement.
The lawsuit seeks damages of at least $900,000 and alleges that WWE and Fanatics, Rhodes’ merchandise partners, intentionally caused the breach of the settlement agreement. Rhodes has until November 15 to respond to the lawsuit.
The conflict stems from an earlier settlement between the two parties after Rhodes attempted to trademark “The American Nightmare” for his wrestling persona. Eisold, who had already secured the “American Nightmare” trademark, reached an agreement allowing Rhodes to use the name on merchandise under specific conditions.
The deal required Rhodes to prominently display his name, likeness, or wrestling imagery at 75% or larger size alongside the phrase.
However, Eisold claims Rhodes has “blatantly” breached this agreement by selling merchandise featuring “American Nightmare” without the required wrestling elements. The lawsuit alleges this has caused significant confusion among both fanbases, with fans accidentally purchasing merchandise intended for the other party.
Eisold, who co-founded American Nightmare in 1999, has built a significant presence in the punk rock scene over two decades. His band operates primarily out of Los Angeles, where they rehearse, record, and maintain their equipment. Meanwhile, Rhodes, who adopted the moniker as a tribute to his father Dusty Rhodes, currently holds the prestigious Undisputed WWE Champion title.
h/t – Boston Herald