– Multiple WWE talents have undergone name changes lately, either by dropping one of their names or getting a completely new alias. There is a reason for this according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter and it’s because all the talent received a memo from Vince McMahon who noted that he doesn’t want anyone “new” using their real names anymore nor does he want them using any names they’ve previously used on the indie scene, almost surely so WWE can trademark and owns that likeliness.
– Some of the wrestlers who have seen changes include:
- Walter - who became Gunther since Walter was both his real name and a name he used in the indies.
- Raquel Gonzalez - kept Raquel but dropped Gonzalez, which was her real last name.
- Austin Theory - dropped Austin because it’s his real first name.
- Pete Dunne - turned to Butch as Pete is his real name.
– There are obviously exceptions to this rule, and almost surely doesn’t apply to veteran wrestlers such as Randy Orton or Brock Lesnar nor will it apply to Ronda Rousey or Cody Rhodes. The interesting scenarios will be Riddle (who probably will keep his name) and Gable Steveson.
