Cody Rhodes and Nintendo: from the Triforce to amiibo

Nintendo continues to be a major force in gaming, and recent developments involving WWE champion Cody Rhodes and the upcoming release of a new Legend of Zelda amiibo once again highlight that influence. These stories also shine a light on how video games and pop culture continue to overlap.

Nintendo’s cease and desist

Cody Rhodes, the current WWE Undisputed Champion, recently found himself on the receiving end of Nintendo’s legal department. He revealed that he had been wearing the iconic Triforce from The Legend of Zelda on his ring boots, which prompted a friendly cease and desist from Nintendo asking him to remove it. On an episode of his podcast, “What Do You Wanna Talk About?”, he explained how he wanted to bring the Triforce’s principles — power, courage, and wisdom — into his career. While he wanted to express that meaningful symbolism through his look, he now has to be careful about using Nintendo’s intellectual property in the ring.

Rhodes’ love for The Legend of Zelda is more than just a hobby; he even has a Triforce tattoo on his finger, showing his dedication to the franchise. He said Nintendo’s legal team was friendly and polite about the situation, and they were not trying to drag him into court. Still, they are clearly committed to protecting their brand, especially when commercial interests are involved.

Upcoming Legend of Zelda amiibo

In another twist, Nintendo has announced that a new The Legend of Zelda amiibo is coming later this year, specifically featuring Mineru’s Construct from The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. The amiibo will hit stores on September 17, 2026, with a price tag of $34.99. The figure will not only feature a detailed design, but also offer unique gameplay support across several Zelda games.

Players who scan the amiibo on their Switch or Switch 2 can receive random items in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. The amiibo also unlocks a unique glider fabric, adding to the appeal of this new collectible. With fans expecting Nintendo to share more Zelda news before long, this release could line up neatly with other upcoming announcements.

Impact on fans and the industry

The impact of these events goes beyond the people directly involved. For many fans of both WWE and The Legend of Zelda, it shows just how culturally important these franchises are. Cody Rhodes is not just a wrestler; his passion for video games shows how gaming and professional wrestling can influence and inspire each other. It also reflects the broader culture these media come from, where fans form strong connections with their favorite franchises and characters.

Nintendo’s strict protection of its intellectual property also highlights the ongoing tension between creativity and commercial interests in the entertainment industry. As one of the most recognizable brands in gaming, Nintendo is careful about protecting its identity and revenue rights. In many cases, that can lead to legal action like the one Rhodes experienced.

The upcoming amiibo release is an interesting evolution in Nintendo’s approach to merchandise, especially given its unclear messaging about the future of the franchise. Fans are now waiting eagerly for more details on both the amiibo and any other possible The Legend of Zelda announcements.

With more on the horizon, both Cody Rhodes’ layered fandom and the upcoming amiibo collectibles could further shape the culture surrounding these iconic franchises. The crossover between pro wrestling and gaming continues to grow, creating new opportunities for creators and fans alike.

Conclusion

Cody Rhodes’ legal run-in with Nintendo and the upcoming Legend of Zelda amiibo mark a new phase for both sides. They remind fans that their favorite franchises are not only part of entertainment, but also part of the dynamic relationship between culture and law. For many fans, it is a reminder of the strong connections between gaming, sports, and pop culture that bring us all together. In the months ahead, the relationship between Cody and Nintendo, along with developments around the amiibo, will no doubt continue to draw plenty of attention.