Yes, the professional wrestler known as MVP does own the rights to his abbreviated ring name, "MVP."
While wrestling promotions often own the intellectual property rights to ring names created for or used extensively by their talent, the situation with MVP (Montel Vontavious Porter) is a notable exception regarding his shorter moniker.
Understanding Ring Name Ownership
Typically, when a wrestler signs with a major promotion like WWE, the promotion gains ownership of the character's name, likeness, and merchandise rights created during their tenure. This is a standard practice to protect their investments in character development and branding.
- WWE's Ownership: World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) held the exclusive rights to the full name "Montel Vontavious Porter" during his time with the company. This meant that the specific combination of "Montel Vontavious Porter" was a WWE-controlled asset.
- MVP's Ownership: However, the performer, Hassan Hamin Assad, retained ownership of the abbreviated ring name "MVP." This critical distinction allowed him to continue using "MVP" as his professional name even after he departed from WWE.
Impact of Name Ownership
The ability to retain the "MVP" name provided Assad with significant professional flexibility. It allowed him to maintain brand recognition and continue his career under the same widely recognized persona in various other promotions globally. For instance, after his WWE departure, he was able to continue working under the abbreviated ring name. This continuity was evident when he was brought into a promotion by NOSAWA Rongai, who sought for him to join the villainous Kojima-gun faction, led by Satoshi Kojima. His established identity as "MVP" made his transition and integration into new storylines seamless.
Key Takeaways on Ring Name Rights
| Aspect | "Montel Vontavious Porter" | "MVP" |
|---|---|---|
| Owner (WWE Era) | WWE | Hassan Hamin Assad (performer) |
| Usage Post-WWE | Not usable by performer | Usable by performer |
| Type of Name | Full Character Name | Abbreviated Ring Name |
This case highlights the intricate nature of intellectual property in professional wrestling, where performers and promotions can hold different rights to variations of a single persona.
