WWE bars wrestler from using his surname, claims they own it
WWE has barred two-time Intercontinental champion Cody Rhodes from using his surname since they own intellectual property rights to the pro-wrestling character of Cody Rhodes. The wrestler uses only his first name for work outside WWE, including his appearances in Impact Wrestling, Ring Of Honor, among others. "I don't mind that WWE took away my last name," said Cody. 
Two-time WWE Intercontinental champion Cody Rhodes is unable to use his surname for work outside the company, the 30-year-old said in an interview with si.com.The son of famed late Dusty Rhodes (Virgil Runnels) and younger brother of Goldust (Dustin Runnels), Cody said the WWE bars him from using his own surname for activites outside the company as they own intellectual property rights to the pro-wrestling character of Cody Rhodes.Cody has been wrestling for several other notable promotions ever since, including Impact Wrestling, Ring Of Honor (ROH), New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), EVOLVE and PWG among others.