The WWE SmackDown Drew McIntyre feud took a dramatic turn this week, as Drew McIntyre escalated his rivalry with Cody Rhodes by attacking both Cody and his family, prompting a direct response from Brandi Rhodes. The latest events unfolded just days into 2026, adding intensity and anticipation for the next stage of their confrontation.
Drew McIntyre’s Provocations Reach New Heights on SmackDown
Drew McIntyre, who has embraced his “Scottish Psychopath” moniker, intensified his feud with the world champion Cody Rhodes in unmistakable fashion. During the most recent episode of SmackDown, McIntyre targeted Cody by bringing up the memory of his late father, Dusty Rhodes, and publicly burning a cherished photograph of Cody and Dusty. Not stopping there, McIntyre went further by being seen urinating on Cody Rhodes’ tour bus following the show, a move that shocked both fans and fellow wrestlers by taking their rivalry to another level.
The animosity has extended outside of televised matches, with McIntyre also antagonizing Cody at live events by verbally insulting both Cody and Brandi’s family who were present ringside. This relentless behavior has led to mounting tension as McIntyre prepares to face Cody Rhodes in a high-stakes 3 Stages of Hell match next week, set to take place during the SmackDown event in Berlin. The atmosphere surrounding this upcoming showdown is electric, with many questioning whether Brandi Rhodes herself will appear in Berlin to confront McIntyre directly.
Brandi Rhodes Responds Publicly to McIntyre’s Actions
Brandi Rhodes, widely known for supporting her husband through past WWE storylines, did not remain silent. After witnessing McIntyre’s latest provocations, Brandi turned to social media to send a clear and succinct message—hinting at a possible future confrontation or verbal exchange with McIntyre:
“Let me talk to Drew.”— Brandi Rhodes (@TheBrandiRhodes) January 3, 2026
This brief yet pointed statement from Brandi has fueled speculation about her involvement in the feud and whether she might step into the storyline more actively to defend her family’s honor, particularly after such deeply personal attacks from McIntyre.
Matt Cardona Surprises with SmackDown Return Amid Ongoing Feud
SmackDown’s move to a three-hour format has prompted a reshuffling of the roster, and the latest episode delivered a string of returns and debuts. The evening’s biggest surprise emerged when Matt Cardona, formerly known as Zack Ryder, made his WWE comeback, leaving his old persona behind to clinch a victory over Kit Wilson. Cardona’s return followed several challenging years on the independent circuit, and his reemergence in WWE left fans and wrestlers—including Brandi Rhodes—stunned.
Reacting to the moment, Brandi Rhodes commented with excitement and disbelief:
“Cardona! Oh Lawd!!” Wrote Brandi
Cardona’s comeback drew the attention of other WWE legends as well, such as John Cena, who acknowledged the returning superstar’s impact on the night. The collective reactions from insiders and fans have signaled a new chapter for Cardona in WWE and an evolution of ongoing storylines on SmackDown.
What’s Next for the WWE SmackDown Drew McIntyre Feud
With the WWE SmackDown Drew McIntyre feud reaching personal and unpredictable heights, anticipation is high for the upcoming 3 Stages of Hell match. Brandi Rhodes’ involvement—whether as a vocal supporter or a direct participant—remains a point of discussion. As McIntyre continues to provoke Cody Rhodes and the Rhodes family, the SmackDown roster braces for more unexpected twists, while the WWE universe eagerly watches to see how these storylines will unfold on the road to Berlin and beyond.
Let me talk to Drew.
— Brandi Rhodes (@TheBrandiRhodes) January 3, 2026
Cardona! Oh Lawd!!
— Brandi Rhodes (@TheBrandiRhodes) January 3, 2026
