Wrestling fans love a good throwback, and today, they’re celebrating a major one. It’s been exactly 23 years since the iconic “WWF” name was dropped and replaced with “WWE,” marking the end of an era and the beginning of a bold new chapter in sports entertainment.

For many, it’s hard to believe that the name change that once felt so sudden has now lasted longer than the original ever did.

WWE Hits Nostalgic Milestone: 23 Years Since the WWF Name Change

The change happened on May 6, 2002, after a legal dispute with the World Wildlife Fund, which also used the initials “WWF.” Instead of dragging out the fight, Vince McMahon and the company rebranded and embraced the change with a clever slogan — “Get the F out.”

It was a bold, edgy move that matched WWE’s attitude during that time, especially coming off the wild popularity of the Attitude Era.

23 years ago today, WWF was renamed to WWE. pic.twitter.com/iMDTCeBt77

— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) May 6, 2025

Now, over two decades later, fans are reflecting on that moment with a mix of fondness and disbelief that so much time has passed. Social media was filled with reactions — many of them full of nostalgia, some even calling for old styles and logos to make a comeback.

Let’s take a look at what fans are saying about this memorable anniversary:

This fan points out a surprising fact. WWE has now existed under its current name for more years than it was ever called WWF. That realization hits hard for longtime fans who grew up during the golden age of the WWF in the ’80s and ’90s.

“It’s crazy that now it’s been the WWE longer than it was WWF.”

It’s crazy that now it’s been the WWE longer than it was WWF

— Jahmeir D. ✭ (@JDCowboys2) May 6, 2025

Many fans agree that the slogan “Get the F out” was a smart and humorous way to handle such a big change. It helped ease fans into a new era while still keeping that rebellious attitude alive.

“As much as I miss ‘WWF’, them using ‘Get the F out’ to transition the brand was kind of genius. Fun times loll”

As much as I miss “WWF”, them using “Get the F out” to transition the brand was kind of genius. Fun times loll pic.twitter.com/72TeBcXXeN

— Ja’ Bronni James🎤 (@KYRBajroni) May 6, 2025

It’s a shame they ever got rid of the scratch logo. Really wish they could bring it back and ditch the current one altogether.

— LDW America (@LDWAmerica) May 6, 2025

Heck yes

— 🍩💰𝓻𝓸𝓫𝓮𝓻𝓽 𝓵𝓮𝓮🍩💰 (@robertleee120) May 7, 2025

For many, it doesn’t feel like 23 years have passed since the name change. This reaction sums up the surprise a lot of people feel when looking back at that moment.

“Wow. It’s been that long”

Wow. It’s been that long pic.twitter.com/DF1k7uypTH

— DionDLion (@DionDLion) May 6, 2025

A Quick Look Back at WWE’s Journey

WWE began in the 1950s as Capitol Wrestling Corporation and later became the WWF, gaining massive popularity in the ’80s and ’90s with stars like Hulk Hogan and The Undertaker.

The late ’90s Attitude Era introduced edgier content and iconic figures like Stone Cold and The Rock. In 2002, after a legal dispute with the World Wildlife Fund, WWF rebranded to WWE, shifting focus toward broader entertainment.

Since then, WWE has expanded globally, launching the WWE Network, filling stadiums worldwide, and building new stars like Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins, solidifying its place as a leader in sports entertainment.