The Cody Rhodes WWE rivalry with Drew McIntyre continues to grow more heated, reaching new levels of intensity after a backstage incident and personal remarks made during a recent event. The two superstars are scheduled to resolve their differences in a highly anticipated Three Stages of Hell Match for the Undisputed WWE Championship on January 9, 2026, in Berlin, Germany, drawing attention from fans and other WWE personalities alike.
Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes have clashed repeatedly in recent months, with tensions escalating substantially backstage when McIntyre allegedly assaulted Rhodes inside his tour bus. The rivalry’s personal nature became clear when McIntyre approached Brandi Rhodes’ family at ringside during a live event, delivering a pointed comment that targeted Cody’s personal life. The Scottish Warrior did not hesitate to add a provocative remark:
“I know what you’re really thinking, ‘I wish my daughter married Drew instead of Cody'”
This personal attack added another layer of drama to their upcoming confrontation, further fueling fan speculation and media coverage ahead of their match in Berlin. Brandi Rhodes and her family have remained at the center of these heated exchanges, indicating that the rivalry is as much about personal pride as it is about championship gold.
Other Major WWE Updates: Retirement Announcements and Celebratory Moments
Outside of the Cody Rhodes WWE rivalry, several other newsworthy events have captured the spotlight. WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion Maxxine Dupri marked a significant milestone by marrying her longtime partner and fellow wrestler, Anthony Luke (also known as Kam Hendrix). In an interview discussing the occasion, Dupri, whose real name is Sydney Zmrzel, described the depth of her happiness and gratitude:
“It’s surreal to think we’ve been together nearly seven years and now get to celebrate our marriage with the wedding of our dreams,” Zmrzel says. “It’s truly euphoric — a feeling of love, gratitude, and excitement for everything ahead,” Maxxine Dupri said.
This joyful occasion stands in stark contrast to the intensified feuds and emotional farewells that have also dominated recent WWE headlines.
Damian Priest Shares Insights on Family and New Beginnings
Ahead of the latest edition of WWE SmackDown, Damian Priest extended heartfelt New Year wishes to his fans, encouraging positivity and a focus on life’s brighter moments. Revealing a new addition to his family—a dog named Champ—Priest took to social media to share a deeply personal update:
“Wishing you all the best New Year! We focus so much on what we want, what we believe should be, that we forget about what is. Life is so good. Smile. Laugh. Enjoy. Pass that on to someone. To anyone. To everyone. We ain’t s***. But we can do more for others. Let’s try together. I’m with you. BTW, this is Champ. He’s a good boy ❤️,” Priest wrote.
Priest’s message resonated with followers, underscoring his reflective outlook and desire to inspire WWE fans globally.
Emotional Farewell from a Well-Known WWE Fan
Michael Corcoran, widely recognized as the Brock Lesnar Guy, made headlines after announcing his decision to step back from attending live wrestling shows after 25 years. The dedicated fan conveyed gratitude for the experiences he’s had and revealed plans to focus on new directions in his life, sharing his message openly with the wrestling community:
“The End…….. For over 25 years, I’ve experienced some amazing moments attending wrestling shows. But now……… It’s time to move on. I knew I was running out of time with this. Which is why I hit it hard this year. What an incredible year it was, especially with John Cena’s retirement tour. I need to focus on other things now, which I will be sharing with you guys very soon, but as far as attending wrestling shows………. It’s time for me to move on. I will still be posting content…….. stay tuned. The End or…….. To Be Continued?”
Corcoran’s farewell comes at a significant moment in WWE, aligning with major career changes among both fans and wrestlers.
Missa Kate Officially Retires, Eyes Future in Mixed Martial Arts
Missa Kate, only 30 years old, announced her retirement from professional wrestling following her final match against Steve Boz at CSW In Cold Blood on December 12, 2025. She expressed her emotions and gratitude in an Instagram post, reflecting on her decision to set a retirement milestone when she began her career and the poignant timing of ending her journey alongside WWE legend John Cena’s retirement:
“Dear Wrestling World, How do I start this…. Tonight was my last wrestling match. Not just with CSW but across the board. I made a promise to myself when I first started wrestling that no matter where I was with wrestling, at 30 years old I would be done. There is sooo much more to the story, but I’m just going to end with that. There’s something so poetically beautiful of @johncena being the first match I’ve ever seen, & then being able to retire from wrestling the day before he does. It’s almost like God planned it. Who’d a thunk it,” she wrote.
Reports from Fightful indicate that Missa Kate is already preparing for a new chapter, training in mixed martial arts as she steps away from pro wrestling. This transition highlights the evolving nature of athletic careers and the continuous evolution seen in WWE and combat sports at large.
The Significance of Current Events in WWE
These recent stories, from the escalating Cody Rhodes WWE rivalry with Drew McIntyre to joyful personal milestones and heartfelt farewells, embody the emotionally charged and intense environment that defines today’s WWE landscape. The heightened drama surrounding championship battles—especially with personal stakes in Berlin—underscores the entertainment and passion that draw millions to WWE events worldwide. As rivalries heat up, careers transition, and new stories emerge, fans can expect further electrifying developments throughout the new year, with key names like Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre, Missa Kate, Maxxine Dupri, Damian Priest, and John Cena continuing to shape the narrative of professional wrestling.
Drew McIntyre spoke to Brandi Rhodes' family during WWE's Live Event in Detroit last night:
“I know what you’re really thinking, ‘I wish my daughter married Drew instead of Cody’".
— WrestleTalk (@WrestleTalk_TV) December 31, 2025
