WWE filed a trademark application for "Vice City" just months before Rockstar Games launches Grand Theft Auto 6, the franchise's first mainline entry since 2013. The filing appears connected to wrestler Lola Vice, whose real name includes the surname, rather than any attempt to challenge Rockstar's iconic Vice City setting.
The timing sparked immediate speculation across gaming and wrestling communities. Vice City serves as the primary setting for GTA: Vice City (2002) and GTA: Vice City Stories (2006). Rockstar owns the trademark for Vice City in the context of video games, making any WWE claim to the name impractical for gaming purposes.
Industry observers noted the filing likely protects WWE's ability to merchandise Lola Vice's character and brand without legal complications. Professional wrestling regularly files trademarks for wrestler names, personas, and catchphrases. Vice City as a wrestling trademark would operate in a separate commercial space from gaming.
GTA 6 launches January 2025 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. Rockstar's Vice City represents one of gaming's most recognizable fictional locations. The setting drew from 1980s Miami aesthetics, defined a generation of open-world design, and remains deeply embedded in pop culture.
WWE's move reflects standard trademark practice rather than any industry conflict. Both companies operate in distinct markets with minimal overlap. The filing demonstrates how IP protection extends across entertainment sectors, sometimes creating confusing headlines when names align across industries.
The wrestler Lola Vice debuted in WWE's developmental territory NXT before moving to the main roster. Her character uses the Vice surname prominently in marketing and merchandise. WWE protecting variations of her professional identity ensures competitors cannot exploit the name without licensing agreements.
This situation underscores how trademark filings often generate confusion when popular properties share similar nomenclature. GTA 6's launch remains un