Cody Rhodes, the professional wrestler and known video-game enthusiast, revealed on his podcast that Nintendo contacted him over a personal use of the Triforce emblem.
The exchange — discussed on Rhodes' show What Do You Wanna Talk About? with guest Kit Wilson and reported by outlets including IGN and Nintendo Life — stems from the former WWE performer's habit of making ring entrances wearing boots featuring the Zelda series' Triforce symbol.
What Rhodes said and how Nintendo responded
Rhodes told listeners he received a cease-and-desist letter from Nintendo regarding the Triforce on his boots.
He described the company's approach as courteous and not aggressive, saying the company "was very kind" in how it raised the issue.
Rhodes also showed a small Triforce tattoo on his finger during the episode and noted he is not the first public figure to use the symbol in personal branding.
Rhodes on Zelda and why the Triforce resonated
On the podcast, Rhodes explained why the Triforce appealed to him as more than a logo.
He summarized the Triforce's thematic elements — power, courage, and wisdom — and said he relates to the idea of applying personal wisdom, pursuing ambition, and demonstrating courage in competitive sports entertainment.
In plain terms, Rhodes said the Zelda franchise is a core part of his gaming identity and that he is a dedicated fan.
Gaming references in the episode
The conversation touched on several well-known games outside Zelda, including GoldenEye 007 and Nightfire, both of which are established entries in the console-era shooter lineage.
Rhodes also mentioned his fondness for entries in the Zelda series, citing titles such as Twilight Princess and The Wind Waker when discussing the series' appeal.
Context: Nintendo and intellectual property
Nintendo maintains active intellectual-property protections for its franchises, including The Legend of Zelda, which is one of the company's flagship series.
The Triforce is a canonical symbol within that series and has been used in marketing, merchandise, and game lore since the franchise's early entries.
Why this matters to fans and creators
The exchange underscores how high-profile fans who incorporate recognizable game imagery into public personas can run into IP issues, even when the use is clearly affectionate.
For players and creators, the episode is a reminder that Nintendo enforces its trademarks while also sometimes engaging in measured communication with individuals who adopt its iconography.
The exchange — discussed on Rhodes' show What Do You Wanna Talk About? with guest Kit Wilson and reported by outlets including IGN and Nintendo Life — stems from the former WWE performer's habit of making ring entrances wearing boots featuring the Zelda series' Triforce symbol.
What Rhodes said and how Nintendo responded
Rhodes told listeners he received a cease-and-desist letter from Nintendo regarding the Triforce on his boots.
He described the company's approach as courteous and not aggressive, saying the company "was very kind" in how it raised the issue.
Rhodes also showed a small Triforce tattoo on his finger during the episode and noted he is not the first public figure to use the symbol in personal branding.
Rhodes on Zelda and why the Triforce resonated
On the podcast, Rhodes explained why the Triforce appealed to him as more than a logo.
He summarized the Triforce's thematic elements — power, courage, and wisdom — and said he relates to the idea of applying personal wisdom, pursuing ambition, and demonstrating courage in competitive sports entertainment.
In plain terms, Rhodes said the Zelda franchise is a core part of his gaming identity and that he is a dedicated fan.
Gaming references in the episode
The conversation touched on several well-known games outside Zelda, including GoldenEye 007 and Nightfire, both of which are established entries in the console-era shooter lineage.
Rhodes also mentioned his fondness for entries in the Zelda series, citing titles such as Twilight Princess and The Wind Waker when discussing the series' appeal.
Context: Nintendo and intellectual property
Nintendo maintains active intellectual-property protections for its franchises, including The Legend of Zelda, which is one of the company's flagship series.
The Triforce is a canonical symbol within that series and has been used in marketing, merchandise, and game lore since the franchise's early entries.
Why this matters to fans and creators
The exchange underscores how high-profile fans who incorporate recognizable game imagery into public personas can run into IP issues, even when the use is clearly affectionate.
For players and creators, the episode is a reminder that Nintendo enforces its trademarks while also sometimes engaging in measured communication with individuals who adopt its iconography.
