AEW Reportedly Abandons “AEW Shockwave” Trademark

As noted before, AEW has been in a trademark dispute with the National Wrestling Alliance over their trademark for “AEW: Shockwave” that was filed in September of 2024 and had been rumored for some time to be for a potential new wrestling-related show. This dispute revolved around the NWA claiming common law rights dating back to 2020 for their usage of the term for “NWA Shockwave” in wrestling despite their trademark filing came after AEW’s filing. AEW CEO Tony Khan stated in a recent interview with The Ariel Helwani Show that he had a recent talk with NWA owner Billy Corgan over the issue and revealed he is unlikely to use AEW’s “Shockwave” trademark.

Wrestlenomics’ Brandon Thurston reported that AEW filed for abandonment of their “AEW: Shockwave” trademark on November 13th based on recent records from the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

The Trademark Trial and Appeal Board reportedly entered a judgement on November 17th and ruled that AEW’s filing was “with prejudice” meaning that AEW can not pursue the trademark again in the future. Thurston reported that this ruling was based on AEW withdrawing their application without the NWA’s direct written consent.

Thurston reported that one NWA talent believes that AEW’s rollout of their new AEW National Championship title and implied its lineage was connected with the NWA’s current version of the National title was a retaliatory move over the Shockwave trademark dispute.