Jey Uso's "Yeet" Will No Longer Be Used Due to Legal Issues
Highlights
- WWE severs association with Jey Uso's catchphrase "Yeet" due to trademark issues. No more uttering the word or using associated merchandise.
- WWE blurs out references to "yeet" in video packages, but fans continue to yell the phrase during Uso's segments.
- The ban on "yeet" may hurt WWE's revenue, but could also increase Uso's popularity as fans sympathize with him losing his signature phrase.
According to a report, WWE has encountered trademark issues with Jey Uso's catchphrase, "Yeet." As revealed by the well-known Twitter account @WrestleVotes, the company has decided to sever its association with the term and related merchandise due to these legal challenges. Going forward, Jey Uso is prohibited from uttering the word "yeet" and utilizing any associated merchandise.
As was evident on Monday night, Uso didn't use it and WWE blurred out references to it in their video packages. But, the crowd wasn't having it and continue to yell the phrase during Uso segements, including his main event match with Seth Rollins.
This development was made apparent in a recent video package featuring Uso, where WWE opted to blur out the contested term. The spirit of "yeet" will likely stay alive, but the revenue earned from WWE using the phrase will take a hit. It might actually help Uso's popularity in the long run as fans will get behind him since it feels like the magic wand is being stolen from his hands.
Raw Winners And Losers: Cody Cuts a Fire Promo, Lynch vs. Jax
This week's Raw effectively added to the build-up for WrestleMania 40, featuring a wild promo by Cody Rhodes.The term "yeet" gained widespread popularity in the early 2010s through Vine and other social media platforms. Initially an exclamation of excitement or triumph, it evolved into a versatile verb used to express energetic actions. The precise origin remains elusive, but it became entrenched in internet culture, spawning memes, dance challenges, and even found its way into mainstream media. Its cultural impact is evident, with the word transcending its linguistic roots to become a symbol of exuberance and self-expression, especially among younger generations immersed in digital communication and social media trends. Perhaps it shouldn't be surprising that there was a trademark on it.
WWE Knows About Trademarks
The ban on "yeet" for Jey Uso underscores the intricate legal landscape surrounding intellectual property in the entertainment industry. Considering WWE enforces their trademarks as much as any company, they likely weren't about to hypocritically ignore someone else's.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this restriction will impact Jey Uso's interactions with the audience and the creative direction of his character in WWE.
