Last week, WWE’s notice that it was terminating its contract with Superstar Billy Graham was leaked to the Internet. Though brief, the letter seemed to contain one particularly intriguing note–that WWE retained the exclusive rights to the wrestler’s gimmick and name.
Graham, real name Eldridge Wayne Coleman, expressed shock over the issue, noting that he used his name and likeness before working for WWE. He even cancelled a scheduled public appearance, fearing legal repercussions for his continued use of Superstar Billy Graham.
According to F4WOnline.com, however, there really is no dispute–WWE has assured the wrestler that it has not seized his intellectual property (and that he can use Wayne Coleman, Billy Graham and Superstar Billy Graham). Sources say that WWE developed the form letter to address the bulk of its situations; ones in which the company created the name and gimmick. It simply overlooked the special case here.
