Cody Rhodes has opened up about an unusual behind-the-scenes moment in his career, revealing that he once received a cease-and-desist letter from Nintendo. The situation stemmed from his use of a popular symbol from The Legend of Zelda on his wrestling gear, highlighting how even tribute designs can attract attention from major companies.
The Undisputed WWE Champion shared the story during an episode of his podcast What Do You Wanna Talk About? With Cody Rhodes, he discussed his long-standing passion for video games and how it influenced his in-ring persona.
How Zelda Inspired Cody Rhodes’ Wrestling Gear
Rhodes explained that he had incorporated the iconic Triforce symbol from The Legend of Zelda into his gear because of its deeper meaning. The symbol represents three core elements: power, courage, and wisdom, which are central themes in the franchise’s storytelling.
“I live that s**t, dog,”
Rhodes said on his podcast, emphasizing how personally meaningful the concept was to him. He went on to explain that each part of the Triforce resonated with different aspects of his own journey as a professional wrestler.
For Rhodes, the symbolism went beyond aesthetics. He viewed the balance of power, courage, and wisdom as qualities essential to success in wrestling, making the design feel like a natural fit for his character.
Despite the tribute being rooted in admiration, Rhodes revealed that Nintendo still took action.
“I also got a cease-and-desist from Nintendo!”
he said, adding that the situation was handled respectfully.
“It was very kind! They weren’t coming after anybody.”
The response reflects Nintendo’s well-known stance on protecting its intellectual property. The company has historically taken a strict approach when it comes to unauthorized use of its characters, symbols, and franchises, regardless of intent.
In this case, the use of the Triforce symbol on commercial wrestling gear likely triggered the legal notice. Even though it was meant as a homage, it still fell under the category of protected content.
Rhodes Compares Zelda’s Evolution to Wrestling
During the same discussion, Rhodes drew an interesting parallel between The Legend of Zelda series and the world of professional wrestling. He specifically referenced The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess and how it was shaped by fan feedback following the release of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker.
According to Rhodes, fan reactions played a major role in shifting the tone of the franchise, leading to a darker and more grounded entry with Twilight Princess. He connected this idea to his own career, noting how audience responses can influence creative direction in wrestling.
“Fans like what they like, and when they get vocal enough, the whole world’s going to change,”
Rhodes said, highlighting how both industries evolve based on audience engagement.
A Unique Intersection of Gaming and Wrestling
Rhodes’ story underscores the growing overlap between gaming culture and professional wrestling. Many performers draw inspiration from video games, anime, and other forms of pop culture, using these influences to shape their characters and connect with fans.
However, the incident also serves as a reminder of the legal boundaries that come with using recognizable intellectual property. Even well-intentioned tributes can lead to complications if they are not officially licensed.
For fans, the revelation adds another layer to Rhodes’ persona, showcasing his genuine passion for gaming and storytelling. It also highlights the challenges that come with blending creative influences from different industries.
