WWE files for ‘Showdown’ trademark after scrapping ‘Invasion’ name

With WWE NXT having to rename its upcoming special with TNA Wrestling, a new trademark has been filed.

It was confirmed last night that the October 7 episode of NXT will no longer be named “Invasion.” The show will still have an NXT vs. TNA theme, but it will now be called “Showdown” instead. The episode will air live on The CW in NXT’s normal time slot.

WWE filed for the “Showdown” trademark on September 30, with it covering goods and services related to pro wrestling events:

Entertainment services, namely, a show about professional wrestling; entertainment services, namely, the production and exhibition of professional wrestling events rendered through broadcast media including television and distributed via various platforms across multiple forms of transmission media; providing wrestling news and information through broadcast media including television and distributed via various platforms across multiple forms of transmission media; providing information in the fields of sports and entertainment through broadcast media including television and distributed via various platforms across multiple forms of transmission media; providing a website in the field of sports entertainment information

An “Invasion” trademark had been filed by WWE on September 24, calling back to its WWF vs. WCW pay-per-view of the same name from 2001.

The reason for the change from “Invasion” to “Showdown” is likely due to WWE receiving criticism for planning to run an invasion-themed show on what would have been the two-year anniversary of Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attacks on Israel.

On TV, TNA Director of Authority Santino Marella explained the change by saying that TNA was not invading NXT — the two sides have a good relationship and this is just a showcase of their rosters.

Here is the card for the event:

• NXT vs. TNA Survivor Series-style men’s match: Team NXT (Ricky Saints, Trick Williams, Myles Borne & Je’Von Evans) vs. Team TNA (Mike Santana, Frankie Kazarian, Moose & Leon Slater)
• NXT vs. TNA Survivor Series women’s match: Team NXT (Jacy Jayne, Sol Ruca, Jaida Parker & Lola Vice) vs. Team TNA (Kelani Jordan, The IInspiration & Mara Sade)
• Title for title: NXT Tag Team Champions DarkState vs. TNA Tag Team Champions The Hardys
• NXT North American Champion Ethan Page defends against Mustafa Ali