World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) is making moves that suggest it is expanding into film production once again, following recent trademark filings for WWE Films. This development signals WWE’s intention to reenter the entertainment world beyond wrestling, tapping back into a market it first explored in the early 2000s.
Background on WWE’s Previous Film Ventures
WWE Studios, originally called WWE Films, was launched in 2002 and became an important branch of the organization, producing movies featuring top WWE stars such as John Cena, Randy Orton, The Miz, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Kane. Its initial releases included titles like The Condemned starring Steve Austin, Marine starring Cena, and See No Evil starring Kane. The subsidiary underwent a rebranding to WWE Studios in 2008 and collaborated with 20th Century Fox to create more films with various wrestlers playing leading roles. However, WWE eventually ceased its film operations under that name shortly after.
Details of WWE’s New Trademark Application
WWE has recently applied to trademark the name WWE Films once again. The company is well known for its television programming, with flagship shows like RAW, SmackDown, and NXT airing on networks such as USA Network, the CW, NBC, and ESPN. WWE also partners with the A&E Network for documentary-style shows like Bray Wyatt: Becoming Immortal and WWE LFG. Despite this strong television presence, WWE’s trademark filing hints at a potential return to producing and distributing films and possibly sound and music video recordings through WWE Films.
For: PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF MOTION PICTURE FILMS AND TELEVISION PROGRAMS; PRODUCTION OF SOUND AND MUSIC VIDEO RECORDINGS; MOVIE STUDIOS.
WWE has filed to trademark:– WWE Films For: PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF MOTION PICTURE FILMS AND TELEVISION PROGRAMS; PRODUCTION OF SOUND AND MUSIC VIDEO RECORDINGS; MOVIE STUDIOS pic.twitter.com/bRLWcqwSvv— WrestleTalk (@WrestleTalk_TV) September 5, 2025
Implications of WWE’s Return to Filmmaking
While WWE has not yet revealed specific plans for WWE Films, the trademark suggests a strategic move toward reclaiming its place in the film industry. WWE’s expansion into film production could introduce new entertainment opportunities for its talent and fans alike, potentially blending wrestling personalities with scripted cinematic content. The company is currently led creatively by Triple H and owned by the Endeavor Group, which may influence the scale and direction of future projects.
The return to WWE Films may help WWE diversify its offerings beyond wrestling programming, strengthening its brand in broader entertainment and possibly attracting new audiences. Only time will show how WWE leverages this trademark to shape its next phase of growth.
