Cody Rhodes, the reigning WWE Undisputed Champion, entertained the audience at the final WWE live event of the year in Detroit on December 30th, 2025. During the high-energy evening, Rhodes brought up his ongoing rivalry and made a playful mention of his family life, keeping the crowd engaged and the atmosphere lighthearted, even as the year wrapped up.
Interacting freely with the crowd, Rhodes—referred to as The American Nightmare—asked attendees about their New Year’s resolutions. In the same breath, he referenced his recent experience in the ring with Drew McIntyre, sharing an inside joke about taking a low blow from McIntyre. He humorously announced to the Detroit fans and his mother-in-law that, despite the incident, he’s still ready to expand his family. The exchange kept the mood vibrant and fostered a connection between Rhodes and the audience, reinforcing his popularity at WWE live events.
Do you guys have New Year’s resolutions? Well, I don’t know if you heard — Drew gave me a low blow and then told my lovely mother-in-law that we couldn’t have a third. Oh no! I think I’m still good to go!
– Cody Rhodes, WWE Undisputed Champion
The Rhodes Family Welcomes Their Second Daughter
Outside the ring, Cody Rhodes and his wife, Brandi Rhodes, have recently celebrated the arrival of their second daughter, Leilani Ella Runnels, in August. Their growing family also includes their first daughter, Liberty, born in 2021. Cody and Brandi shared their joy with fans through an Instagram post, highlighting their gratitude and happiness as new parents once again.
Welcome to the world Leilani Ella Runnels. We are in love. Thank you God for answered prayers. Cody + Brandi + Libby + Lani = ❤️
– Cody Rhodes and Brandi Rhodes
An Intensifying Rivalry with Drew McIntyre
As the final days of the year unfolded, Cody Rhodes intensified his feud with Drew McIntyre on the December 29th episode of SmackDown. The encounter saw high tension in the ring when Rhodes interrupted Drew’s apology to referee Dan Engler, an apology few considered genuine after McIntyre had berated the official. Cody, noting the personal barbs, faced strict rules set by McIntyre: he cannot retaliate against Drew until their official confrontation, or risk losing his WWE Championship.
The stipulation, negotiated with SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis, followed ongoing claims by McIntyre that Cody created an unsafe environment in WWE through regular attacks. This agreement added a level of drama for WWE fans anticipating the next clash between the two superstars.
The feud is set to escalate at the Three Stages Of Hell match scheduled in Berlin, Germany, in January. The high-stakes showdown is expected to test both rivals under extreme conditions and will play a pivotal role in shaping the state of the WWE Undisputed Championship in the coming year.
What This Means for Cody Rhodes and WWE Fans
Cody Rhodes remains a focal point of WWE, both through his championship reign and his charismatic presence at live events. His banter about having a third child brought warmth and humor to Detroit, humanizing the star amid intense ongoing storylines. Rhodes’s family milestones, celebrated alongside his wife Brandi, resonate with fans, who have supported the couple through both personal and professional triumphs.
The upcoming match in Berlin, with its strict stipulation and personal stakes, keeps the WWE community on edge, wondering whether Cody can keep his title against Drew McIntyre’s calculated challenge. As the new year approaches, the spotlight remains on Rhodes—a champion balancing his wrestling legacy and family happiness, with supporters eagerly awaiting what will unfold next in his storied career.
Cody Rhodes goodbye 2025 promo ❤️#WWEDetroit pic.twitter.com/NFLtEjBpsZ
— Cody Goaty (@CodyGoatyy) December 31, 2025
