WWE star Cody Rhodes files trademark for ‘The Renaissance Era’

Cody Rhodes thinks WWE is in the midst of a renaissance.

While speaking with Fox News Digital this week, Rhodes said he really likes “The Renaissance Era” as the name for this time period in WWE. Rhodes likes the term so much that he filed a trademark for it. The filing was made on April 3 with Cody Runnels (Rhodes’ real name) listed as the owner.

The trademark relates to merchandise and is listed as being for:

Entertainment in the nature of wrestling contests; Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibits and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer; Entertainment services, namely, live appearances by a professional wrestler and sports entertainer; Entertainment services, namely, personal appearances by a professional wrestler and sports entertainer; Entertainment services, namely, televised appearances by a professional wrestler and sports entertainer; Providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network; Providing online interviews featuring a professional wrestling and sports entertainment personality in the field of professional wrestling and sports entertainment for entertainment purposes

Rhodes told Fox News Digital that he likes the “Renaissance” term because of all the ways WWE is currently changing:

I’ve heard it coined as the Renaissance Era, and I really like that outlook on it. For me, as a wrestler, I’m most excited that we no longer have to stand in the shadow of the Attitude Era because of the last two years we’ve done better business than they ever did — and they did exceptional, unbelievable, amazing business. I’m only making comparisons on a black and white level, dollars and cents, in terms of what WWE’s been able to do over the last two years.

I mentioned Renaissance because of all the things we’re trying, the changing of the programming and also the characters. They now appeal differently. Every year has its signature thing. There was Hulkamania — eat your vitamins and say your prayers. There was the Attitude Era — the (Jerry) Springer-type crash TV.

Now, we have a more, reach-across-the-aisle and connect-to-the-audience-type relatable superstars. We still have larger than life, no doubt, but that’s all going into this very, like I said, Renaissance Era.

Paul “Triple H” Levesque also recently told Complex that he believes WWE is in another white-hot era like the Attitude Era right now.

Rhodes could usher in a new era for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship if he defeats Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40 night two this Sunday.

The first night of WrestleMania 40 will see Rhodes and Reigns clash as well. Rhodes & Seth Rollins are taking on Reigns & The Rock in a tag team match.