WWE Could Complicate Paul Reed's 'Out The Mud' Brand

Originally posted on Philadelphia 76ers on SI
By Justin Grasso | Last updated 9/25/23

Ever since getting drafted in the second round by the Philadelphia 76ers, Paul Reed has been looking to get “Out The Mud”.

Building a personal brand using the phrase, Reed created an entire merchandise line centered around it. Unfortunately, the WWE is looking to file a trademark for the phrase, which could complicate Reed’s personal brand moving forward.

According to Fightful.com, the WWE recently filed for multiple new trademarks, including Jaida Parker, Global Localization, OTM, and Out The Mud.

The wrestling powerhouse has taken ownership of many nicknames and phrases for decades, which has even prevented wrestlers from keeping their nicknames and gimmicks beyond the WWE ring.

Here are the details behind the WWE’s attempt to file for Out The Mud, per Fightful.

“OUT THE MUD trademark registration is intended to cover the categories of entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibitions and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer rendered and through broadcast media including television and radio, and via the internet or commercial online service; providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network; providing information in the fields of sports and entertainment via an online community portal; providing a website in the field of sports entertainment information; fan club services, namely, organizing sporting events in the field of wrestling for wrestling fan club members; organizing social entertainment events for entertainment purposes for wrestling fan club members; providing online newsletters in the fields of sports entertainment; online journals, namely blogs, in the field of sports entertainment.”

When Reed joined the Sixers as a second-round pick in 2020, the young center felt slighted by how far he dropped on draft night. After spending an offseason proving his worth to the 76ers, Reed looked forward to putting his work on display during his preseason debut.

Unfortunately, he failed to register any minutes, which led him to take to Twitter to toss out the phrase that stuck with him beyond his rookie season.

Selling “Out The Mud” hoodies became Reed’s side grind throughout the 2022-2023 NBA season. As Reed improved as a player on the court, his off-court personality made him a fan-favorite in Philadelphia, making “Out The Mud” become a popular phrase amongst Sixers fans everywhere.

To no surprise, Sixers fans are disappointed in the WWE’s decision to file a trademark for the phrase. We’ll soon see how it affects Reed’s line if approved.

This article first appeared on Philadelphia 76ers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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