AEW
Backstage Update – The United Empire/AEW
Will Ospreay has brought the United Empire with him throughout his wrestling career, first establishing the faction in New Japan Pro Wrestling before continuing to feature it during his run with All Elite Wrestling. That has led to questions about how Ospreay is able to use the United Empire name in AEW, particularly given the […]
Will Ospreay has brought the United Empire with him throughout his wrestling career, first establishing the faction in New Japan Pro Wrestling before continuing to feature it during his run with All Elite Wrestling. That has led to questions about how Ospreay is able to use the United Empire name in AEW, particularly given the situation surrounding Bullet Club Gold and the Bang Bang Gang.
The Bang Bang Gang name change has long been believed to be connected to trademark issues, with NJPW owning the Bullet Club name. However, the situation with the United Empire is different.
According to a report from Fightful Select, NJPW does not own the United Empire name. Sources familiar with the situation told the outlet that Ospreay himself filed a trademark for “United Empire” in April of this year with the assistance of trademark attorney Michael Dockins.
Multiple sources have confirmed that Ospreay owns the name and therefore has the freedom to use United Empire as he sees fit, including during his time in AEW.
NOTE: If you have any news tips or podcast recaps that you’d like to send in for us to post (full credit will be given to you), please email me at [email protected].