WWE Files Trademark for NXT Faction DarkState

World Wrestling Entertainment filed a trademark application for the NXT faction DarkState on November 4, 2025, with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, securing the name under the entertainment services category. The filing encompasses a wide array of uses, including live and broadcast wrestling exhibitions, online media distribution, fan club services, newsletters, and blogs focused on sports entertainment.

DarkState consists of leader Dion Lennox, Cutler James, Saquon Shugars, and Osiris Griffin. The group formed earlier in 2025 following Lennox's shift toward a more aggressive persona. They made their debut at NXT Vengeance Day on February 15, ambushing several competitors, including Josh Briggs, Axiom, Nathan Frazer, and NXT Champion Oba Femi. The faction's name was publicly revealed the following week during an episode of NXT.

Since their introduction, DarkState has established itself as a dominant force on the NXT roster. Lennox and Griffin, in particular, have captured the NXT Tag Team Championships twice. Their first reign began at NXT Heatwave, where they defeated Hank Walker and Tank Ledger. The titles changed hands briefly to The Hardy Boyz at the NXT vs....