I just play it safe when it comes to television because it is WWE's intellectual property. But it is literally my legal name, like on my ID. My name hasn't been Cody Runnels since I was 17. But it's theirs. At no point would I ever want to go into a courtroom with a company I have love and admiration for.

In this quote, Cody Rhodes reflects on the relationship between his legal name and his stage name, particularly in the context of his career in WWE. He explains that while his real name is Cody Runnels, he has been legally known as Cody Rhodes since he was 17. However, he acknowledges that Cody Rhodes is also part of the WWE's intellectual property, meaning that the company owns the rights to that name. This highlights the tension between his personal identity and the stage persona created by the company.

Rhodes goes on to emphasize that, despite the fact that his legal name is still Cody Runnels, he continues to use Cody Rhodes because it is central to his persona in the wrestling world. However, he takes a cautious approach when it comes to the WWE's intellectual property, choosing not to challenge the company's rights over the name in any legal way. His decision reflects his desire to avoid any legal conflict with a company he has love and admiration for, illustrating his respect for the organization that helped shape his career.

The statement also touches on the complexities of intellectual property in the entertainment industry, especially in industries like professional wrestling, where performers often use stage names that are legally owned by the companies they work for. Rhodes’ comment about not wanting to enter a courtroom with WWE reveals his understanding of the delicate balance between personal identity and the legal aspects of entertainment branding.

Ultimately, Rhodes’ quote sheds light on the challenges faced by wrestlers and other performers who must navigate the legal implications of using stage names created by the companies they work for. His respect for WWE and its intellectual property shows a level of professionalism and loyalty, despite the legal constraints it places on his personal identity.