Becky Lynch has used several nicknames throughout her WWE career, including The Man, which she used during her meteoric rise to the top of WWE. More recently, she\'s been going by Big Time Becks, a moniker that takes the confidence of \'The Man\' and turns the dial up a bit father into the realm of cockiness. Her on-screen character has evolved seamlessly, but \'Big Time Becks\' may be getting phased out due to WWE\'s inability to secure a trademark for the IP.
WWE filed to trademark \"Big Time Becks\" in September 2021, but this application faced opposition from someone else who felt the name infringed on a mark they had the rights to. Legal proceedings have been ongoing, and the trademark remains listed as \"pending\" due to these unresolved issues.
\'Big Time\' Roadblock
Here\'s a timeline of events that led to WWE\'s current legal predicament:
- In September 2021, WWE filed to trademark \"Big Time Becks,\" Becky Lynch\'s nickname during her heel run.
- The trademark faced opposition nine days after the filing, with ongoing legal proceedings as recent as April 1, according to public records. A discovery conference was ordered in March.
- The board recommended using the Accelerated Case Resolution process. Initial disclosures were due May 3, with the process potentially extending to August 2025.
- According to the motion document, WWE was aware of the Opposer\'s \"Bigtime\" trademark since 2006, when they received a cease and desist.
- In September 2021, WWE filed the \"Big Time Becks\" mark. Opposer communicated opposition within nine days.
- WWE was aware of the opposition and engaged in settlement discussions but did not follow up after March 2022.
- Opposer filed two Letters of Protest and initiated Opposition Proceedings in November 2023 and WWE missed the deadline for filing an answer to the opposition.
- WWE claimed the Christmas Day deadline caused the delay, but Opposer argues this is implausible given WWE\'s resources and prior notifications.
- The trademark remains listed as \"pending\" due to the ongoing legal proceedings.
Previous Nickname Controversies
This isn\'t the first time Lynch\'s nicknames have faced opposition. Ric Flair previously laid claim to \"The Man,\" expressing issues with WWE using that moniker for Lynch.
Ric Flair and Becky Lynch\'s conflict began in late 2021. Flair accused Lynch of using the nickname \"The Man\" without his permission. Lynch dismissed the accusation, calling Flair \"sad\" at one point. This feud was intense but never became a WWE storyline. The behind-the-scenes drama was as engaging as the on-screen action.
Both sides have since reconciled. Becky Lynch and Ric Flair are now on cordial speaking terms. They eventually resolved the matter, and Lynch continues to use \"The Man\" nickname. You can read all about this settled beef right here:
