WWE might be in the process of changing up the names of two Superstars if their latest trademark filings are any indication. The first, which was hinted at during this week’s Monday Night Raw, is for Nikki Cross’ new superhero persona Nikki ASH (Almost a Super Hero). Cross debuted the caped persona last week, explaining on Twitter, “Bringing THIS to life has given me such joy. The roll I have been on @wwe gave me the boost I needed to unveil this to the [Earth emoji] , that everyone has that spark and they can try anything they want to, just listen to your heart. I want to blossom like a butterfly. I want us all to.”
The Raw commentary team went back and forth on calling her Nikki Ash throughout her match with Shayna Baszler. Given that NXT’s Karrion Kross has been competing in dark matches recently, it’s possible WWE didn’t want to have two wrestlers on the same show with nearly identical last names.
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One step closer to being Ms. #MITB, A.S.H. @NikkiCrossWWE is on a ROLL! #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/rNJ93Ms9AA
— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) June 29, 2021
The other trademark filing was for “Happy Corbin,” which seems to be referencing Baron Corbin. The former United States Champion recently lost his title as King of the Ring to Shinsuke Nakamura, so it’s possible this will tie in to whatever WWE has in store for him next.
The filing read, “G & S: Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibitions and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer rendered live and through broadcast media including television and radio, and via the internet or commercial online service; providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network; providing information in the fields of sports and entertainment via an online community portal; providing a website in the field of sports entertainment information; fan club services, namely, organizing sporting events in the field of wrestling for wrestling fan club members; organizing social entertainment events for entertainment purposes for wrestling fan club members; providing online newsletters in the fields of sports entertainment; online journals, namely blogs, in the field of sports entertainment.”
WWE returns to pay-per-view on July 18 with Money in the Bank. Here’s the updated card for the show:
- WWE Championship: Bobby Lashley vs. Kofi Kingston
- WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns vs. Edge
- Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Ricochet vs. John Morrison vs. Riddle vs. Big E vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Kevin Owens/Sami Zayn vs. TBA
- Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Asuka vs. Naomi vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Nikki Cross vs. Carmella vs. TBA
- Raw Women’s Championship: Rhea Ripley vs. Charlotte Flair
