The ongoing legal battle for WWE and Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes over “The American Nightmare” moniker is heating up, with a clear timeline for the next steps now established. According to a report from PWInsider, several key dates have been set for October that will determine the immediate future of the case.
The lawsuit, filed last year by Wesley Eisold, frontman for the band American Nightmare, alleges Rhodes violated a 2021 agreement. That deal allowed Rhodes to use the name for a $30,000 fee but stipulated his own name or likeness must be 75% larger than the moniker on any merchandise. Eisold claims this agreement was breached, causing brand confusion.
WWE and Rhodes have since filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit. Their defense argues the company was unaware of the agreement, which was made before Rhodes’ 2023 return, and that his established logo and neck tattoo constitute his likeness.
Per the new court schedule, Eisold must file his response to the dismissal motion by September 12, with the defendants’ reply due by September 26. A hearing on the motion to dismiss is officially slated for October 10, followed by a scheduling conference for the case on October 31. (h/t PWInsider)