World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) is embroiled in a trademark dispute concerning Randy Orton's signature finishing maneuver, the RKO. The legal challenge, reported by WhatCulture on November 5, 2026, centers on intellectual property rights associated with the move's name and branding.
Orton, a 14-time world champion and one of WWE's most decorated performers, has used the RKO — named from his initials — as his primary finisher since 2003. The maneuver, a jumping cutter, has become one of professional wrestling's most recognizable and frequently memed moves.
Details of the opposing claimant and specific legal arguments were not disclosed in the initial report. WWE has historically aggressively protected its intellectual property portfolio, which includes character names, catchphrases, and move designations across its global media and merchandise operations.
The outcome could affect WWE's ability to license the RKO branding for video games, action figures, apparel, and digital content featuring Orton's likeness.
