WWE locks down ownership of just about every name that is spoken on their television shows. This allows them to make sure that those names aren’t used elsewhere with the clout that WWE gives them. The same applies to released WWE Superstars, as they often must pick a new name. That being said, there is also a possibility that those Superstars can find a loophole in the situation.
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter was able to clear things up a bit regarding Gran Metalik. It was reported that Metalik is allowed to use that name, because it was his prior to joining WWE. Vince McMahon’s company still owns “Gran Metalik,” but the pro wrestler can just go as “Metalik” if he wants.
It was also noted that going as “Metalik” could come with a stigma. After all, WWE didn’t use him in the best way during his tenure with the company.
The story behind the Metalik name is that he owns it and used it in Mexico in 2007 on indies and even CMLL prior to becoming Mascara Dorada in 2008. WWE owns Gran Metalik, but not Metalik. He would have more name recognition in the U.S. as Metalik of course, but it’s not necessarily a plus since he wasn’t used well in WWE. He’s been working as Mascara Dorada for NJPW U.S. shows and did one match as Mascara Dorada in AEW. From what we are told, he’s planning on being Mascara Dorada going forward in NJPW and when he returns to CMLL.
Right now it’s very tough for him because he wants to work in Japan and Mexico but until his green card comes through, and who knows when that will be since he’s been working on it for a long time (the hope right now is May but that’s out of everyone’s hands), he can’t leave the U.S. When he gets it he’ll return to Arena Mexico for at least some dates. .. . Anna Jay has been out of action with dislocated ribs from the power bomb she took from Willow Nightingale off the ramp and through a table, except they overshot the table and Jay’s back hit the floor on the 1/11 tapings in Los Angeles
Gran Metalik’s days as part of the Lucha House Party are over, but his pro wrestling journey is far from finished. He will keep taking what dates he can to entertain fans, and it seems that he might be allowed to hang onto that name, which still rings as a familiar one with WWE fans.
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What’s your take on Gran Metalik using his name outside WWE? Sound off in the comments!