Originally published on ProWrestlingSheet.

Pro Wrestling Sheet has obtained proof that Ryback is in the process of legally changing his name, but court officials say the request hasn't been approved quite yet.

The Big Guy announced the name news on his podcast today, saying he's changing it to Ryback Allen Reeves and is just waiting for a judge's approval.

The wrestler went on to explain his decision saying "It was one thing that I did not own and I created and I used before my time with WWE. And it is something that is associated with my brand, and who I am, that I am very proud of."

The legal process to change one's name is interesting. The petitioner must publish an announcement in a local newspaper three weeks in a row before the court can approve -- and Pro Wrestling Sheet obtained one of the ads Reeves ran last month in the Nevada Law News publication.

While recording the podcast, Ryback said the name would be his before their show was released ... but court officials tell us the request hasn't been signed off on by a judge at this point in time.

FUN FACT: Ryback isn't the first former WWE Superstar to make his ring name legal ... Ultimate Warrior changed his to Warrior after leaving the company in 1992.

ryback name change proof advertisment newspaper