WWE likes to change the names of its wrestlers. A few months ago, WWE issued an edict noting that certain wrestlers had to change their names if it was similar to their real names. This was done so the company could own the trademark rights to the names. 

Several stars on the current NXT brand are second-generation stars, including Bron Breakker, Brooks Jensen, Von Wagner, and Arianna Grace. None of these stars are using the surnames their parents used in the company.

Former WWE star Santino Marella (the father of NXT’s Arianna Grace) spoke about the names on the Monday Mailbag with Mike Chioda. 

“I wish someone could explain the logic behind it. It’s fine if my daughter was ‘Arianna Marella,’ I don’t see a problem with that. They started that at first with Curtis Axel, Mr. Perfect’s son, but everybody knew who he was. I think there’s some equity in being the second generation, but it’s great for her, too because when you’re a second or third-generation wrestler, it’s really important for them to know that they’ve earned this and they’re not just getting a free pass because of who their parents are. I remember being with Cody [Rhodes] at OVW and the worst thing you could ever say to Cody, the most hurtful thing you could ever say to him was, ‘You don’t deserve this, you’re only here because of your dad,’. I saw someone say that to him once and I felt so bad for him. I think that’s why he always goes the extra mile, above and beyond because without a shadow of a doubt, he knows he made it on his own merit.”

The renaming of The Rock’s daughter Simone Johnson to ‘Ava Raine’ was the most recent instance of WWE changing a famous surname.

Transcription via WrestlingInc