THE BIG GUY is trying to change his legal name to ‘Ryback’

On Ryback’s new podcast, he dropped information that he has recently put things in motion to change his legal name to “Ryback Allen Reeves” from his birth name, Ryan.

“It’s not uncharted territory, but it kind of is too in a way. I legally went and changed my name to Ryback, for many reasons, one of which it was one thing that I did not own, and I created and I used before my time with WWE.

And it is something that is associated with my brand and who I am that I am very proud of. So, I went through the proper steps in Clark County in Las Vegas. And it cost a little bit of money, and I go in front of a judge September 1st. But when this airs, you know, hopefully everything is approved and I would be known as Ryback Allen Reeves moving forward.”

Clearly, it is after September 1 and Ryback hasn’t indicated anywhere if the process is complete or not. But just the attempt shows the same savvy he had when he swooped in on the “Big Guy” trademark before WWE could.

While he goes on to say he’s not trying to get over on anyone, he and his co-host, Pat Buck, an independent wrestling promoter, speak for a bit afterward about how it’s unfair for WWE and its large legal team to be able to try to prevent people from earning a living. Reeves mentions that “Ryback” is a name he came up with prior, combining his original first name, Ryan, and Silverback.

The Big Guy and his co-host think this may be a thing we see going forward, with more performers changing their legal names to their character names to help promote themselves.

What do you think of the Big Guy’s move, Cagesiders?

H/T to the Wrestling Observer for the transcription