Does WWE Own the Four Horsemen?By Coder| September 28, 2023 Wrestling Blogs Does WWE Own the Four Horsemen? The Four Horsemen is one of the most iconic factions in professional wrestling history. Formed in the mid-1980s, this group of talented individuals revolutionized the industry with their charisma, in-ring skills, and captivating storylines. But who actually owns the rights to the Four Horsemen? Let’s delve into this topic and find out. The Birth of the Four Horsemen The Four Horsemen were originally created in Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP), which later became World Championship Wrestling (WCW). The original members consisted of “Nature Boy” Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, Ole Anderson, and Tully Blanchard. Their dominance and influence on professional wrestling cannot be overstated. Fun Fact: The name “Four Horsemen” was inspired by a quote from the Bible’s Book of Revelation, symbolizing war, conquest, famine, and death. Ownership Controversy Over the years, there has been much debate about who owns the rights to the Four Horsemen. When WCW was purchased by WWE in 2001, fans wondered if Vince McMahon had acquired ownership of this legendary faction along with other WCW intellectual property. The WWE Claim Although WWE has featured several incarnations of groups that paid homage to or referenced the Four Horsemen after acquiring WCW, they do not own the rights to the original faction. This is because JCP/WCW trademarked and owned both “The Four Horsemen” name and logo during their existence. Ric Flair’s Trademark Ric Flair, one of the founding members and most synonymous with the Four Horsemen, actually owns the rights to the faction’s name. Flair secured the trademark after WCW went out of business in 2001. This gives him the exclusive right to use and license the name “Four Horsemen” for various purposes, including merchandise and appearances. The WWE Relationship Despite not owning the rights to the Four Horsemen, WWE has maintained a close relationship with Ric Flair over the years. They have allowed him to use and reference the faction during his tenure with them, including his Hall of Fame induction speech in 2012. Legacy Beyond Ownership The Four Horsemen’s legacy extends far beyond ownership disputes. Their impact on professional wrestling continues to be felt today. Many wrestlers have paid tribute to this legendary group, both in their in-ring style and by incorporating aspects of their characters into their own personas. They popularized the “heel stable” concept, influencing future factions such as D-Generation X and Evolution. Their intense rivalries and compelling storylines set new standards for storytelling in professional wrestling. Their catchphrases like “Whooo!” and “To be The Man, you gotta beat The Man!” have become timeless quotes in wrestling history. Hall of Fame Induction In 2012, Ric Flair was finally able to reunite with his fellow Horsemen when they were collectively inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. This momentous occasion honored their contributions to professional wrestling and solidified their place among the all-time greats. In conclusion, while WWE does not own the rights to the Four Horsemen faction, their impact on professional wrestling cannot be denied. Ric Flair, as the trademark owner, has the final say on how the name is used and licensed. The Four Horsemen will forever be remembered as one of the most influential and iconic groups in wrestling history.
