On July 2, 2024, WWE officially filed a new trademark application for “SuperBrawl”, a name once synonymous with one of World Championship Wrestling’s (WCW) most iconic pay-per-view (PPV) events. This move has generated significant buzz among wrestling fans and insiders, sparking speculation that WWE may be planning to revive the historic WCW brand in some form within its current programming or event lineup.
What Is SuperBrawl and Why Does It Matter?
SuperBrawl was WCW’s flagship February PPV from 1991 to 2001, remembered for high-stakes matches and landmark moments in wrestling history. The inaugural SuperBrawl in 1991 featured Ric Flair unifying the WCW and NWA World Heavyweight Championships after defeating Tatsumi Fujinami, setting the tone for the event’s prestige[1][4].
Over its run, SuperBrawl hosted some memorable storylines and developments, including Scott Steiner’s infamous betrayal of his brother Rick Steiner at SuperBrawl VIII and the final PPV titled SuperBrawl Revenge, which took place just before WCW closed its doors in March 2001[4]. The PPV name holds a nostalgic connection for many wrestling fans, especially those who followed the Monday Night Wars era.
Following WWE’s acquisition of WCW in 2001, the company initially acquired rights to SuperBrawl but lost or abandoned the trademark over time. Notably, Cody Rhodes briefly held this trademark from 2019 to 2020 before withdrawing it, after which WWE regained control of the name[1][3][4].
WWE’s Trend of Reviving WCW Traditions
WWE has a recent history of reintroducing classic WCW brand names into its programming to appeal to long-time wrestling aficionados and add legacy value to current projects. Examples include:
- NXT Halloween Havoc, which has become a seasonal cornerstone event for WWE’s developmental brand NXT, reviving the Halloween-themed WCW PPV[1].
- Starrcade, another iconic WCW event, which WWE revived as special house shows between 2017 and 2019[1].
- The Great American Bash, which WWE has used during the Ruthless Aggression Era and brought back for NXT specials[1].
Given this pattern, WWE’s trademark filing for SuperBrawl signals the possibility of integrating this historic brand either into NXT or as part of WWE’s evolving Pay-Per-View/ Premium Live Event portfolio.
Trademark Details and Potential Usage
The recent trademark application filed by WWE is specific to:
- Exhibition of professional wrestling events through broadcast media, including television and various digital platforms.
- Providing wrestling news and information via broadcast and digital media.
- Maintaining a website related to sports entertainment content.
This clear media-centric trademark indicates WWE’s intention to utilize SuperBrawl as a branded event or digital presentation rather than merely reserving the name for merchandise[2].
What Might This Mean for WWE Fans?
Sources close to WWE hint that the company always looks at legacy brands with an eye toward boosting current content. A WWE insider revealed to us:
“Acquiring SuperBrawl is part of WWE’s ongoing strategy to mine the rich history of professional wrestling. This trademark filing opens the door for WWE to either launch a new PPV event, integrate the name into NXT’s growing calendar, or even use it for special televised or streaming events. Expect a fresh take that still pays homage to the original WCW days.”
This suggests WWE aims to leverage nostalgia while introducing modern twists for today’s audience without simply rehashing old content.
Could SuperBrawl Become a Regular WWE Event?
While WWE has not confirmed any specific plans, analysts and fans theorize the following possibilities:
| Possible Use | Description |
|---|---|
| NXT Special Event | A seasonal or themed event in WWE’s developmental brand showcasing rising stars and legends. |
| Premium Live Event (PPV) | A new PPV featuring marquee matches, possibly in February to mirror the original WCW timing. |
| Television Special | A one-time or recurring TV event on WWE Network/Peacock leveraging nostalgia and storylines. |
With WWE looking to diversify events and build fresh yet familiar experiences, reviving SuperBrawl fits into a broader strategy to blend wrestling’s storied past with future growth.
Historical Perspective: Why SuperBrawl Has Legacy Appeal
SuperBrawl’s history captures key eras and moments that wrestling fans reference fondly:
- Ric Flair’s historic title unification match at SuperBrawl I
- Scott Steiner’s turning point at SuperBrawl VIII, marking NWO’s dominance in WCW
- The final WCW broadcast in February 2001’s SuperBrawl Revenge, a symbol of an era’s close
This legacy endows the name with an aura of prestige and drama that WWE could exploit to engage fans across generations[1][4].
WWE vs. Cody Rhodes: The Trademark Backstory
Interestingly, the trademark history also involved Cody Rhodes, who after leaving WWE co-founded All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and acquired several classic WCW trademarks, including SuperBrawl. Rhodes abandoned the SuperBrawl trademark in 2020, effectively paving the way for WWE’s recent filing[1][3][4].
This back-and-forth highlights the ongoing interest within the pro wrestling world for heritage brands and the value they represent in today’s competitive market.