AJ Styles signed a multi-year contract with WWE that allows him to retain his ring name and various other trademarks. Trademark filings show that TNA had originally registered the trademark in 2007 but Allen Jones (Styles) is the owner. I presume that TNA was involved with the trademarking for merchandising. One of the reasons why there is no conflict with TNA over the AJ Styles name is because he used the name prior to signing with TNA in 2002.
As noted, Styles made his WWE debut when he entered the Royal Rumble match as entrant #3.
We have confirmed that Styles signed the contract within the last few days. It was speculated since early January that he would be signing with WWE after he gave his notice to NJPW at their Wrestle Kingdom show.
WWE will also retain some rights to his character for use on DVDs and other merchandise once he leaves the company.
As noted, Styles is an official full-time member of the main roster and will be working on all WWE events from now on. He is getting paid more than some of the recent independent names that have signed on with the company and it would not be cost effective to use him as an NXT-only talent.
On a side note, several fans have asked us about his theme song. So, for those that have asked, Styles’ new WWE theme is a variation of DMX’s “Ain’t No Sunshine.”
Here is the trademark info on the “AJ Styles” name:
| Word Mark | AJ STYLES |
| Goods and Services | IC 028. US 022 023 038 050. G & S: toy action figures and accessories therefor. FIRST USE: 20021001. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 20021001IC 041. US 100 101 107. G & S: Entertainment services, namely wrestling exhibits and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer; providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network. FIRST USE: 20021001. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 20021001 |
| Standard Characters Claimed | |
| Mark Drawing Code | (4) STANDARD CHARACTER MARK |
| Serial Number | 78534101 |
| Filing Date | December 16, 2004 |
| Current Basis | 1A |
| Original Filing Basis | 1B |
| Published for Opposition | April 25, 2006 |
| Registration Number | 3269267 |
| Registration Date | July 24, 2007 |
| Owner | (REGISTRANT) TNA Entertainment, LLC LIMITED LIABILITY CORPORATION DELAWARE 4100 Spring Valley Road Dallas TEXAS 75244(LAST LISTED OWNER) JONES, ALLEN INDIVIDUAL UNITED STATES 4332 HOMESTEAD DRIVE GAINESVILLE GEORGIA 30506 |
| Assignment Recorded | ASSIGNMENT RECORDED |
| Attorney of Record | Robert L. Brewer, Paige W. Mills and Martha B. Allard |
| Type of Mark | TRADEMARK. SERVICE MARK |
| Register | PRINCIPAL |
| Affidavit Text | SECT 15. SECT 8 (6-YR). |
| Other Data | The name(s), portrait(s), and/or signature(s) shown in the mark identifies Allen Jones, whose consent(s) to register is submitted. |
| Live/Dead Indicator | LIVE |
