Post by JTuniverse on Feb 21, 2007 23:57:23 GMT -5
Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter
Former ECW Heavyweight champion Steve Corino recently got a letter
from WWE’s legal department telling him to stop using the name “The King
Of Old School”, because WWE has trademarked the phrase “old school”
for anything to do with pro wrestling. Corino has been using the name "The
King of Old School" since his run in ECW in the late 90’s/early 2000’s.
He responded to the issue on his MySpace page with the following:
"A lot of fans have been asking me and leaving me My Space comments on
the WWE owning the rights to the moniker. To be honest with you it doesn't
matter to me. I have been the "Trouble King" in Japan for years because I
have been a sneaky heel. I have never been the "King Of Old School" here
because it is a hard translation. The King of Old School name would register
under (if I am right) intellectual property of ECW (which of course WWE
Corporation owns). They did not take it from me. In fact they have done
right by me regarding the name. The problem with the name would lie if I
signed a contract with TNA or WSX (national TV companies in the USA)
and tried to use it. Since I have no plans on either they don't bother me. In
fact I have the "King Of Old School" on my ring jacket (I will be getting a
new one soon though with Trouble King on it) and no one says anything.
The WWE could take anything they want from me except my name (since I
wasn't original enough to think of a gimmick name) and at this stage of my
career why would they bother doing anything to me? Although they could
give me a job as a writer (hint hint, I would love to be able to write the ECW
show) but I think I pissed in someone Cheerios long ago so I don't see that
happening! LOL. I do appreciate the fans support and dedication though.
Its touching to know that people still do care."
Corino also recently announced that he will be retiring at the end of 2007.
While this isn’t the first time he has announced his retirement only to come
back, he cites his recurring knee and hip issues as the reason for hanging his
boots up for good.
Former ECW Heavyweight champion Steve Corino recently got a letter
from WWE’s legal department telling him to stop using the name “The King
Of Old School”, because WWE has trademarked the phrase “old school”
for anything to do with pro wrestling. Corino has been using the name "The
King of Old School" since his run in ECW in the late 90’s/early 2000’s.
He responded to the issue on his MySpace page with the following:
"A lot of fans have been asking me and leaving me My Space comments on
the WWE owning the rights to the moniker. To be honest with you it doesn't
matter to me. I have been the "Trouble King" in Japan for years because I
have been a sneaky heel. I have never been the "King Of Old School" here
because it is a hard translation. The King of Old School name would register
under (if I am right) intellectual property of ECW (which of course WWE
Corporation owns). They did not take it from me. In fact they have done
right by me regarding the name. The problem with the name would lie if I
signed a contract with TNA or WSX (national TV companies in the USA)
and tried to use it. Since I have no plans on either they don't bother me. In
fact I have the "King Of Old School" on my ring jacket (I will be getting a
new one soon though with Trouble King on it) and no one says anything.
The WWE could take anything they want from me except my name (since I
wasn't original enough to think of a gimmick name) and at this stage of my
career why would they bother doing anything to me? Although they could
give me a job as a writer (hint hint, I would love to be able to write the ECW
show) but I think I pissed in someone Cheerios long ago so I don't see that
happening! LOL. I do appreciate the fans support and dedication though.
Its touching to know that people still do care."
Corino also recently announced that he will be retiring at the end of 2007.
While this isn’t the first time he has announced his retirement only to come
back, he cites his recurring knee and hip issues as the reason for hanging his
boots up for good.
