Name changes have been a recurrent phenomenon in the world of WWE, often driven by creative decisions, rebranding efforts, or legal issues. Throughout the years, several notable incidents have stood out, showcasing the nature of professional wrestling.
One prominent instance occurred when legendary wrestler Ron Simmons transitioned from his ring name “Faarooq Asad” to simply “Faarooq” in the mid-1990s. This alteration accompanied his shift from a gladiator-themed character to a more authentic persona, aligning with his real-life experiences and personality.
In another instance, World Wrestling Federation (WWF) changed its entire branding to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in 2002 due to a lawsuit with the World Wildlife Fund, prompting a comprehensive rebranding effort that included altering the company’s name and logo.
WWE has officially changed Humberto Carrillo’s name to ‘Berto’. pic.twitter.com/XCgvY7zmBY
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) February 3, 2024
Furthermore, individual wrestler name changes have often been linked to trademark issues or efforts to refresh characters. For example, Antonio Cesaro became “Cesaro,” and Big E Langston was shortened to simply “Big E.” These name changes in WWE not only reflect the ever-evolving nature of the wrestling industry but also underscore the importance of adaptability and marketability in sports entertainment.
WWE Rebrands 28-Year-Old Superstar with Another Name Change
WWE has witnessed yet another name change, this time involving Humberto Carrillo, who is now officially listed as “Berto” on the company’s website. The 28-year-old wrestler recently made a move to WWE’s blue brand, joining forces with his real-life cousin, Angel. Together, they aligned themselves with Santos Escobar in an ongoing feud against the Latino World Order, solidifying their roles as integral members of the SmackDown roster.
WWE has changed Humberto Carrillo's name to 'Berto.' pic.twitter.com/JoaJOFvZxQ
Advertisement— WrestleSeeks (@Wrestleseeks) February 3, 2024
The cousins, Humberto Carrillo and Angel Garza, have undergone multiple name changes in their careers. Initially debuting as a duo, they were later recognized simply as Humberto and Angel. However, with their recent shift to SmackDown, they reverted to their original names. Interestingly, the roster page on WWE’s official website now reflects the change, showcasing Humberto Carrillo as “Berto.”
This alteration adds another layer of change in WWE, where character changes and rebranding are not uncommon, keeping the wrestling narrative fresh and engaging for fans.