Add as a preferred source on Google WWE filed a trademark application for “RK-Rhodes” with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), fueling speculation about a possible reunion between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton.
The name combines Orton’s identity with Rhodes’ surname, following the same pattern as RK-Bro, the tag team that the Viper formed with Matt Riddle. WWE also filed the “RK-Bro” trademark in 2021, when both were among the top acts in the tag team division.
A trademark filing with the USPTO doesn’t mean a mark has already been approved. The office itself distinguishes between pending applications and registrations that have actually been granted, and companies routinely protect names that never make it onto television.
Still, there’s no confirmation that Rhodes will turn heel at SummerSlam.
🚨WWE HAS OFFICIALLY FILED A TRADEMARK UNDER THE NAME “RK-RHODES”🚨
— Two HEADS, One TABLE☝🏿☝🏽 (@TwoHeadsPodcast) July 24, 2026
CODY TURNING HEEL AT SUMMERSLAM 🤯 🤯🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/9dldc0CM1g
The possibility of “RK-Rhodes” being used draws attention given the storyline’s timing. Orton turned on Rhodes at WrestleMania 42, after being defeated by his former Legacy partner in a match for the Undisputed WWE Championship. The Viper closed out night one with a Punt Kick to Rhodes, and Orton hasn’t returned to WWE television since.
WWE also filed another application on July 6 for “RKO,” strengthening the legal protection around Orton’s character ahead of his eventual return.
Rhodes will face CM Punk for the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam, on August 1 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.