The ongoing lawsuit filed against WWE & Cody Rhodes by musician Wesley Eisold has finally reached a settlement.
Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics/Postwrestling reported that both parties have notified the courts that they have resolved their differences in the case over the "American Nightmare" trademark. The only thing pending is a written settlement agreement however both sides expect to file a joint stipulation that would see the case dismissed within the next 90 days.
Eisold and Rhodes came to an agreement back in 2021 when the wrestler was looking to use the "American Nightmare" term for wrestling purposes, however, Eisold already held the trademark within the music industry. Eisold agreed to let Rhodes use to the term if it was accompanied by his name (Cody Rhodes), his likeness or wrestling related imagery that would have distinguished it from anything related to music and associated it with Rhodes the wrestler.
However, Eisold ended up filing his lawsuit in the second half of 2024, alleging that Rhodes, WWE and Fanatics violated the agreement. He was seeking $150,000 in damages but WWE and Fanatics (with support from Rhodes) filed a motion to dismiss the suit, claiming that the merchandise that Eisold was complaining about met the agreed upon details as they felt Rhodes' skull logo fulfilled the requirement that the trademark included Rhodes' likeness and wrestling related imagery.
