Over the weekend, Bryan Danielson attracted attention not only for his in-ring performances but also for discussions about the use of the iconic ‘Yes!’ chant. During a panel at Starrcast, Danielson revealed that WWE has repeatedly asked him to cease using the chant, a request that predates his departure from the company. This revelation sheds light on a long-standing tension surrounding the chant’s usage.
Fightful Select confirmed that this pressure from WWE to avoid the chant was not a recent development; Danielson has faced these warnings for several years. After leaving WWE, he was explicitly told again to stop using the chant due to intellectual property concerns. Respecting this request, Danielson has mostly refrained from employing the chant while performing in AEW.
Legal Battle Over Trademark Rights for the ‘Yes!’ Chant
In 2023, Danielson submitted a trademark application for the ‘Yes!’ chant, intensifying the dispute as WWE formally opposed his claim. The wrestling giant also confronted Danielson directly via email, accusing him of infringing on their intellectual property. Although the final outcome of this trademark disagreement has not been disclosed, Danielson has occasionally used the chant on AEW broadcasts, despite not actively promoting or selling any merchandise featuring it.
Interestingly, Danielson’s manager informed him when the trademark became available for registration last year, showing that the issue remains active behind the scenes. This ongoing dispute highlights the complex ownership of wrestling-related intellectual property and the challenges faced by performers crossing between companies.
Context and Implications for Bryan Danielson and AEW
This trademark controversy places Bryan Danielson in a difficult position as he balances respect for WWE’s demands against his personal history with the chant that helped define his early career. WWE’s insistence on controlling the chant underlines the company’s strategy to protect its proprietary elements rigorously. Meanwhile, AEW benefits from Danielson’s star power but risks entanglement due to such legal conflicts.
The outcome of this dispute could have broader implications for performer rights and trademark claims in professional wrestling, particularly as talents move between rival promotions. Fans and industry observers will likely watch closely for any developments, as they may influence how iconic entrances and signature moves are treated across wrestling companies in the future.
