Adelaide great Tony Modra fumes at WWE wrestler’s ‘disrespectful’ use of his name

Adelaide great Tony Modra has been left fuming by a WWE wrestler registering under his name, saying he “didn’t know you had to copyright your own bloody name”.

Matt Turner and Simeon Thomas-Wilson

2 min read

October 27, 2020 - 5:33PM

News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

The announcement of 'Tony Modra' entering the WWE.

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Crows great Tony Modra says he has never spoken to the Adelaide-raised wrestler who will use his name in the ring and feels disrespected that he has not been asked for permission.

Florida-based Brendan Vink last week registered to fight under “Tony Modra” in bouts for World Wrestling Entertainment, which trademarked the moniker, and the story made headlines on Monday.

But the real Modra, who kicked 588 goals in 165 games for Adelaide and Fremantle, and was a two-time All-Australian, told The Advertiser he was shocked when a mate told him about it over the weekend.

Modra said he watched WWE with his eight-year-old son, Luke, and believed Vink’s decision was a publicity stunt.

“I’ve got no idea who he is,” Modra said of the 31-year-old Vink.

“He claims to be an Adelaide fan but it’s a bit disappointing, a bit disrespectful.

“I couldn’t believe it – I didn’t know you had to copyright your own bloody name.

“My lad loves WWE and I see a lot of that stuff but he’s even asking why some wrestler he’s never heard of before wants to change his name to his dad’s.

“I wouldn’t have liked it if there was someone in WWE from Victoria or Geelong calling themselves Gary Ablett.

“I’d be saying the same thing, it shows a bit of disrespect.”

Tony Modra flies over Sedat Sir (left) and Matthew Croft at Optus Oval during his playing days.

Modra kicks for a goal as part of a promotional event in 2005.

Modra said he had been swamped with calls from people wondering what was going on, including former teammates.

“I’m just bewildered,” he said.

“I’ve had people texting me left, right and centre about it.

“I don’t think there’s anything I can do.

“If he was doing it for charity or something – I do a lot of stuff for Little Heroes Foundation – I wouldn’t mind, but it seems like personal gain.”

Vink, who wrestled in Australian promotions under the ring name Elliot Sexton, signed with the WWE in early 2019.

He appeared on the company’s NXT TV show earlier this year and featured on its flagship program, Monday Night Raw, in March, April and May.

Vink has already changed his Twitter name to Tony Modra and follows the Crows on the social media platform.

Modra said he had initially been reluctant to talk publicly about the matter but wanted to let people know the wrestling name had nothing to do with him.

“I want to get it out there for all supporters, not just Crows supporters,” he said.

“I’ve got nothing against him personally but I don’t know him.”

WWE will be contacted for comment.