WWE Files New Trademark for “DarkState” — NXT’s Rising Faction Gets Official Recognition
WWE has locked down the name of one of its fastest-rising factions in NXT. According to public filings, the company submitted a trademark for “DarkState” on November 4, 2025, further solidifying the group’s growing prominence on the black-and-gold brand.
DarkState — the sinister and dominant stable featuring Dion Lennox, Osiris Griffin, Cutler James, and Saquon Shugars — has quickly made waves in NXT. Lennox and Griffin currently hold the NXT Tag Team Championships, while the group’s eerie presentation and no-nonsense attitude have drawn comparisons to early Wyatt Family and Judgment Day runs.
The filing covers standard entertainment and wrestling-related purposes, including live performances, broadcast media, digital content, and online branding — signaling that WWE plans to feature DarkState heavily across platforms, possibly beyond NXT.
Trademark filing summary:
“Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibitions and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer rendered live and through broadcast media including television and radio, and via the internet... providing wrestling news, fan club services, and online journals in the field of sports entertainment.”
DarkState’s Rapid Rise in NXT
The group first appeared earlier this year as a shadowy alliance that took over NXT programming with sneak attacks, moody vignettes, and cryptic promos. Their dominance in the tag division, combined with their intimidating visual aesthetic, has made them one of the brand’s most talked-about acts heading into the new year.
While WWE trademarks faction names all the time, DarkState’s timing stands out — it comes as the stable continues to be positioned as a long-term fixture, perhaps even destined for a main roster call-up once their NXT story runs its course.
Wrestling.news | Backstage Take
WWE trademarking DarkState confirms what many behind the scenes already expected — the company sees big potential in the group as the next cornerstone faction of NXT. According to insiders, creative discussions have already touched on expanding the group’s influence across multiple storylines, with plans for darker cinematic promos and a major title program in early 2026.
Expect DarkState to be a long-term project — one WWE wants to protect, develop, and eventually showcase as a modern, marketable heel brand. With Dion Lennox and Osiris Griffin already holding gold, the faction’s future looks bright — or in this case, pitch black.
