The ongoing Cody Rhodes WWE feud escalated at a series of holiday events, as tensions between Drew McIntyre and Rhodes reached new heights during a live show in Detroit, Michigan. The drama unfolded in front of fans—and Rhodes’ own family—culminating in both physical and verbal confrontations, with championship stakes on the line.
Heightened Rivalry at Detroit Live Event
During the Tuesday night WWE event in Detroit, McIntyre challenged Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship in a high-stakes Street Fight. As the show began, McIntyre took a provocative approach by grabbing the microphone to warn Rhodes that any retaliation would cost him his championship. This move forced Rhodes to restrain himself while McIntyre shifted attention to Brandi Rhodes’ family, who were seated at ringside.
McIntyre, amused by the presence of Brandi’s mother, addressed her directly, cracking jokes about Rhodes’ family in front of the crowd and playing mind games meant to destabilize his opponent. The live audience watched the drama unfold as McIntyre tried to manipulate the scenario to his advantage.
“Ladies and gentlemen, Brandi’s mom, the mother of Cody’s children,”
McIntyre stated in a show of bravado before pressing on with pointed remarks about the family’s viewing habits and alleged preferences.
“I have a question for you. You always watch SmackDown, right? You gotta check out Cody every week, so you watch the show, SmackDown. And I know what you’re thinking when you watch SmackDown. You’re thinking, ‘My God, that tall, handsome Scottish guy makes me real weak in the knees every week.’ I know what you really thinking. You’re thinking ‘I wish my daughter married Drew instead of Cody,’”
—Drew McIntyre, WWE Superstar.
Returning his attention to Rhodes, McIntyre sought to taunt him even further, remaining out of reach to avoid disqualification.
“Hey, you can’t touch me, man,”
he taunted.
“You can’t do a thing about this, or they’ll strip you of the title. So for the grand finale, I don’t have to do anything. I’m gonna leave Detroit, and I’m gonna win the title in Berlin. Good night, everybody.”
—Drew McIntyre, WWE Superstar.
Rhodes Triumphs Amid Aggression
Despite McIntyre’s threats of walking away, he ultimately returned to the ring to compete in the scheduled Street Fight. The contest was marked by heated exchanges and underhanded tactics. At one pivotal moment, McIntyre delivered a low blow to Rhodes, an action that would become a point of humor in the post-match aftermath. Nevertheless, Rhodes managed to rally, executing his signature Cross Rhodes move and delivering a top rope splash that sent McIntyre crashing through a table, securing his victory.
After the match, Cody Rhodes addressed the crowd and directly referenced the controversial low blow, turning the moment into light-hearted banter despite the intensity of the encounter.
“I don’t know if you heard Drew. He gave me a little low blow and then he told my lovely mother-in-law we couldn’t have a third [child],”
Rhodes joked, then reassured,
“Oh no! I think I’m still good to go! (laughs).”
—Cody Rhodes, Undisputed WWE Champion.
This interaction added a personal touch to the ongoing drama, involving not only the wrestlers but their families, especially as Rhodes noted in the promo.
“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!”
—Cody Rhodes, Undisputed WWE Champion.
Family, Championship Stakes, and Upcoming Confrontations
Cody Rhodes and Brandi have two young daughters, Liberty (born in 2021) and Leilani Ella Runnels, welcomed in August 2025. The reality of Rhodes’ growing family and their presence at events has added a deeply personal layer to his ongoing feud with Drew McIntyre.
The tension between Rhodes and McIntyre is set to continue. On January 9, Rhodes will defend his Undisputed WWE Championship against McIntyre once again, this time in a brutal Three Stages of Hell match scheduled for Berlin, Germany. Before that decisive clash, both men are expected to appear together on the January 2 episode of WWE SmackDown in Buffalo, New York, where the confrontation is likely to intensify.
What’s Next for the Feud
This Cody Rhodes WWE feud with Drew McIntyre demonstrates how personal animosity and strategic mind games can shape championship pursuits in professional wrestling. The involvement of family, direct verbal jabs, and controversial tactics have raised the profile of their rivalry, engaging audiences and raising the stakes ahead of their next encounters. Fans now look ahead to the upcoming WWE SmackDown and then the anticipated championship rematch in Berlin, where the final outcome may have significant implications for both superstars and the future of the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Drew McIntyre talks to Brandi Rhodes family at ringside with Cody Rhodes in the ring#WWEDetroit pic.twitter.com/PmAIMTtIc2
— 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
