World Wrestling Entertainment is continually updating its intellectual property portfolio to secure new ring names for developmental talent and protect future digital projects. Over the past week, the company has submitted a fresh batch of trademark applications to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, providing a glimpse into the next wave of WWE superstars and properties.
Securing the Next Generation of NXT Talent
On Thursday, February 19, 2026, WWE officially filed to trademark three distinct in-ring names: CJ Valor, Santi Rivera, and Romeo Moreno. The following day, Friday, February 20, the company submitted an additional filing for the name Kai Kavari. All of these trademarks were filed under the standard description for entertainment services, specifically relating to “wrestling exhibitions and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer rendered live and through broadcast media.”
These filings generally indicate that recently signed recruits at the WWE Performance Center are preparing to make their television or live event debuts under these new, company-owned monikers. The process of transitioning independent wrestlers to WWE-copyrighted names is standard practice, allowing the promotion to control the merchandising and branding of the characters.
This latest round of filings follows a busy period of trademark activity for WWE. Earlier, the company secured several names related to its expanding video game division, including “WWE Eras Collide,” “WWE Generations,” and “WWE Domination.” Additionally, WWE trademarked the names Tristan Angels and Dorian Van Dux. It was later revealed that Nathaniel Cranton, a recent NXT signee, had officially adopted the Tristan Angels moniker for his in-ring career. Fans can expect the performers behind CJ Valor, Santi Rivera, Romeo Moreno, and Kai Kavari to be revealed on NXT programming in the near future.
