Cody Rhodes headlined WWE’s Live Holiday Tour stop in Detroit, Michigan, defending his Undisputed WWE Championship in a Detroit Street Fight against longtime adversary Drew McIntyre, making headlines for both his victory and a colorful post-match moment. The event, staged at Little Caesars Arena, also featured standout performances from officials and emerging stars, giving the Detroit audience a memorable WWE night.
Rhodes Defends Title With Humorous Rebuttal in Detroit
Cody Rhodes, also known as The American Nightmare, retained his championship against Drew McIntyre during a heated main event. Following his victory, Rhodes took a moment to address the Detroit crowd and respond with humor after McIntyre targeted him with both a low blow and an offhand comment about his family. Reacting after the match, Rhodes assured fans and family alike of his resilience, a moment that resonated with the audience.
He gave me a low blow and then told my lovely mother in law we couldn’t have a third … Oh no! I think im still good to go!
This exchange drew laughter, particularly after the mention of Brandi Rhodes, Cody’s wife, and her mother, showing the personal stakes and camaraderie that often characterize live WWE events. Detroit’s crowd was treated to Rhodes’ signature charm while he maintained his in-ring dominance.
Referee Daphanie LaShaunn Captures Attention With Unique Antics
During the match featuring Aleister Black and Damian Priest, referee Daphanie LaShaunn delighted spectators by playfully imitating the Naruto run before ejecting Zelina Vega from ringside. This quirky moment stole the spotlight as Damian Priest, known as the Archer of Infamy, secured victory in the tables match against Black, further heating up the ongoing rivalry between these prominent WWE Superstars.
The feud between Priest and Black has become a fixture of WWE programming. Their last televised encounter, on the December 12 episode of SmackDown, saw Priest and Rhea Ripley, teaming as The Terror Twins, emerge victorious over Black and Vega in a Mixed Tag Team match. The referee’s showmanship in Detroit brought additional entertainment to an already competitive showdown.
Carmelo Hayes Earns First United States Title Defense
Carmelo Hayes proved his mettle as United States Champion when he faced former mentor The Miz in Detroit. After recently clinching the title from Ilja Dragunov, Hayes made his first successful defense against The Miz amid a spirited response from the audience, with notable moments captured including the enthusiastic fan labeled “Angry Grandma.”
Angry Grandma and United States Champion Carmelo Hayes last night at #WWEDetroitpic.twitter.com/c8SxDKPwio— Cory of Bodyslam.net (@Cory_Hays407) December 31, 2025
For Hayes, the victory in front of a vocal Detroit crowd marked a significant milestone, further establishing the 31-year-old as a rising force in WWE’s competitive landscape.
Event Highlights and Anticipation for Future Matchups
The WWE Live Holiday Tour stop in Detroit also featured Alex Shelley scoring a win over Nathan Frazer in singles competition. In tag team action, The Wyatt Sicks—comprising Dexter Lumis, Joe Gacy, Erik Rowan, Uncle Howdy, and Nikki Cross—prevailed over the MFTs, which included JC Mateo, Talla Tonga, Tama Tonga, and Tonga Loa, with Solo Sikoa in their corner, during an intense Eight-Man Tag Team match. Additionally, the trio of R-Truth, Sami Zayn, and Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Los Americanos—El Grande Americano, Bravo Americano, and Rayo Americano—in a Triple Threat contest.
Looking ahead, fans can anticipate the escalating rivalry between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre as the two are set to clash once again in WWE’s first SmackDown episode of 2026. They will face off in a highly anticipated Three Stages of Hell match in Berlin, Germany, on January 9. With continued strong showings from superstars including Carmelo Hayes and the surprise entertainment brought by referee Daphanie LaShaunn, WWE’s touring shows remain a highlight for fans across the United States and beyond.
Cody Rhodes goodbye 2025 promo ❤️#WWEDetroit pic.twitter.com/NFLtEjBpsZ
— Cody Goaty (@CodyGoatyy) December 31, 2025
“He gave me a low blow and then told my lovely mother in law we couldn’t have a third … Oh no! I think im still good to go!”
Jyll: 😁👍🏼
they’re so cute 😭 pic.twitter.com/cJR7BtnXCW
— sara 🍒 (@soitgoesrhodes) December 31, 2025
.@RefBaeDaphWWE hit that anime emote 💀#WWEDetroit
pic.twitter.com/lAhJAfXy1F— lyla (dom’s version) (@dominikstendies) December 31, 2025
Angry Grandma and United States Champion Carmelo Hayes last night at #WWEDetroit pic.twitter.com/c8SxDKPwio
— Cory of Bodyslam.net (@Cory_Hays407) December 31, 2025
