WWE filed for trademark on PJ Vasa for Penina Tuilaepa ahead of NXT

WWE filed for a trademark on the name PJ Vasa on September 28, and one day later Performance Center recruit Penina Tuilaepa announced on social media that she will compete under that ring name. The trademark application covers standard performer-related uses, including live wrestling exhibitions, televised and online appearances, fan club services and related promotional materials, signaling the company intends to use PJ Vasa as an official in-ring identity.

Tuilaepa confirmed the change in a social post, writing, "Happy Monday nosey mfs PJ Vasa has entered the chat. COME GET YO ISSUE WWE WWENXT." She also updated her social accounts to reflect the new moniker. The trademark filing followed WWE’s routine practice of securing names before their on-screen debut, a step typically taken to protect branding and merchandising rights as talent are repackaged or introduced.

Tuilaepa is a cast member of WWE’s LFG competition and is a finalist in the show’s second season. She is scheduled to face Dani Sekelsky in the women’s final, with the winner expected to transition to NXT television. Tuilaepa made her in-ring debut during the first season of LFG and has since competed against several...