AEW star Bryan Danielson's rejected trademark filing taken over by WWE - Reports
Before moving over to AEW, Bryan Danielson was riding the stardom wave in WWE. He wrestled with the company using the name Daniel Bryan.
The 43-year-old's rise to prominence in the promotion commenced from 2010 onwards. He also won the United States and World Heavyweight Championships. The star formed Team Hell No with Kane, which led to the formation of The Yes Movement in 2013. The story of an underdog being recognized for his true talent culminated in him saying 'YES! YES! YES' to whoever stood in his way.
The catchphrase took hold of the wrestling world by storm. When Bryan Danielson debuted on AEW in 2021, he refrained from using the catchphrase, but fans continued to use it. In July of this year, The American Dragon filed to trademark the catchphrase synonymous with his gimmick, but it was rejected. Recently, WWE reportedly made two trademark filings for the iconic catchphrase with the below descriptions:
"Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibitions and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer rendered and 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; providing information in the fields of sports and entertainment via an online community portal."
It continued:
"Providing a website in the field of sports entertainment information; fan club services, namely, organizing sporting events in the field of wrestling for wrestling fan club members; organizing social entertainment events for entertainment purposes for wrestling fan club members; providing online newsletters in the fields of sports entertainment; online journals, namely blogs, in the field of sports entertainment." [H/T Wrestle Talk]
It also stated items and merchandise the trademark would effectively be used for.
Bryan Danielson's last WWE match was in April 2021, when he was banned from SmackDown after losing to Roman Reigns.
Bryan Danielson has been open to a WWE return in the future
After his departure, Bryan Danielson's wife, Brie Bella, continued to compete in sporadic matches and appearances. For the brief period of transition after leaving WWE, many speculated on a potential return.
Given the company's influence on his wrestling career, the former WWE Champion has not closed all doors on the possibility of him competing in the Stamford-based promotion again.
The former Blackpool Combat Club member had a tumultuous run-in with Jon Moxley and Claudio Castagnoli, which sparked an unanticipated betrayal. Recently, Danielson challenged Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada for a match at AEW Dynamite's 5th Anniversary show this week.
It will be interesting to see if The American Dragon will emerge victorious.