Drew McIntyre delivered a headline-grabbing moment during WWE’s recent house show in Detroit, when he targeted Brandi Rhodes and her family seated prominently in the front row. The evening reached its peak in the main event, as Cody Rhodes solidified his status by overcoming McIntyre in a dramatic street fight to keep his WWE Championship intact. The latest Drew McIntyre WWE news reflects the high-stakes energy coursing through WWE as the year draws to a close.
During the Detroit house show, tensions rose when McIntyre actively taunted Brandi Rhodes and her loved ones, in a move that generated immediate buzz among fans. The incident set the tone for an intense main event, where Cody Rhodes valiantly defended the WWE title against McIntyre. The clash reached its thrilling conclusion as Rhodes triumphed by crashing through a table, igniting the crowd and punctuating a night of high drama.
This fierce exchange between McIntyre and the Rhodes family wasn’t the only dramatic development in the WWE universe this week. Carmelo Hayes found himself in the spotlight after capturing the United States Championship. Reflecting on his major win, Hayes expressed his gratitude to supportive fans and the community that has accompanied him throughout his journey.
Carmelo Hayes Rises After United States Title Victory
After securing a major title, Carmelo Hayes thanked those who continued supporting him and welcomed new fans to join him for what promises to be an exciting future with WWE. With his sights set on further achievements, Hayes is among a growing list of WWE superstars who are breaking boundaries and seizing new opportunities as the year winds down.
“Closing out the year coming off one of the greatest achievements and moments in my career so far. I appreciate everyone who stayed down and welcome everyone who just jumped on. Enjoy the ride, we going up”
— Carmelo Hayes, WWE United States Champion
Natalya Highlights WWE’s Evolving Approach to Diversity
WWE veteran Natalya recently shared insights into how the company has been celebrating wrestlers of various ages, citing Asuka’s achievements as an example. She reflected on a memorable match featuring John Cena and AJ Styles, emphasizing that storytelling and audience connection are at the heart of WWE’s ongoing appeal—elements evident in the passionate fan response to high-profile bouts like Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre.
“When I watched John Cena and AJ Styles wrestle at Crown Jewel, I wished they’d both never retire. The match was that good. I love that we’re celebrating a diversity of age in WWE. Asuka is in her mid-40s, she is a mother, she’s been wrestling for decades, and no one talks about her age. She’s also doing the best work of her career. She’s captivating, she’s intriguing, and the audience connects with her.”
— Natalya, WWE Superstar
“That’s the biggest thing in storytelling, the emotional connection with the audience. I’m not thinking about when she’s going to retire–I’m just thinking about when I can see her wrestle again.”
— Natalya, WWE Superstar
Celebratory and Reflective Messages Mark the New Year
As 2025 concluded, many WWE stars and personalities shared their optimism and gratitude for the experiences of the past year. Damian Priest’s New Year’s message focused on positivity, encouraging everyone to savor the present and embrace kindness, which underpins the passionate energy running through the WWE community.
“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 sh*t. But we can do more for others. Let’s try together. I’m with you.”
— Damian Priest, WWE Superstar
IYO SKY also looked back on 2025, hailing it as the standout year of her career, while Pro Wrestling NOAH’s Yoshiki Inamura expressed heartfelt gratitude to those who contributed to his growth during a memorable excursion to WWE NXT.
“2025 was truly an unforgettable year.”
— Yoshiki Inamura, Pro Wrestling NOAH
“Being in NXT was an amazing experience.”
— Yoshiki Inamura, Pro Wrestling NOAH
“I am deeply grateful to Shawn, Bloom, all coaches, staff members, wrestlers & fans.”
— Yoshiki Inamura, Pro Wrestling NOAH
“Because of all of you, I was able to become a champion in NOAH.”
— Yoshiki Inamura, Pro Wrestling NOAH
“I look forward to seeing you all again.”
— Yoshiki Inamura, Pro Wrestling NOAH
Other Major News and Highlights from the Wrestling World
Beyond the Drew McIntyre WWE news, notable stories made headlines both inside and outside WWE. CM Punk, who has been the subject of much speculation, was referenced during a moment at a WWE house show, fueling further discussions about possible narratives in the future. Meanwhile, Netflix teased an upcoming slate of WWE premium live events and other wrestling content, signifying greater global reach for the promotion.
On the ratings front, WWE NXT maintained stable numbers through the Christmas week, as anticipation builds for what’s next in its ongoing programming. WWE also plans to move archival content off Peacock, which may impact how fans access legacy footage in the coming months.
International wrestling continues to thrive, as evidenced by CMLL setting a new attendance milestone at Arena Mexico and the announcement of talented lineups for NJPW’s New Year Dash 2026. Hiroshi Tanahashi and other NJPW talents looked back at the year and reached out to fans with New Year messages, further cementing the interconnectedness of wrestling communities worldwide.
Insights from Across Professional Wrestling
In other wrestling circuits, Dan Barry approached his retirement match with gratitude, thanking supporters who accompanied him on his journey through hundreds of cities. Tony Khan, CEO of AEW, participated in a substantial interview, offering deep dives into organizational status and long-term challenges extending through 2027.
Konosuke Takeshita spoke candidly about the challenges and opportunities that come with performing for AEW, NJPW, and DDT simultaneously. He observed the need to adapt psychologically and stylistically to the distinct cultures and expectations of each wrestling promotion.
“I don’t think it’s something anybody can get used to, heheh. But I’ve gotten to know what it takes. You have to have your mind in a few different places at once, but at the same time you have to have your focus on the thing that’s right in front of you, and once you do that the mental aspect gets a lot easier. If you think too far ahead then everything gets on top of you.”
— Konosuke Takeshita, AEW/NJPW/DDT Wrestler
“They’re definitely all different, and the way the fans of each see pro-wrestling is very different. So there’s my own style and then there’s adapting that to the different tastes. It’s been about three and a half years since I went to America, and at first it really was a difficult change of gears. Now I wrestle much more in America than in Japan, so when I’m in Japan I have to change modes the other way.”
— Konosuke Takeshita, AEW/NJPW/DDT Wrestler
“I am a Japanese wrestler, you know. I debuted in Japan. And now I’m wrestling in America, gained a ton of experience there, and I think that I can really bring Japanese pro-wrestling into the spotlight in a major way. I see my work overseas as my way of repaying the Japanese scene.”
— Konosuke Takeshita, AEW/NJPW/DDT Wrestler
Major Developments in the Business Side of Wrestling
Triller Group Inc., parent company of Triller TV, faces significant business hurdles following a Nasdaq decision to suspend and delist its stock. The company attributes the process to delayed filings and remains optimistic that resolution is imminent. Legal strategies and operational updates continue as they look toward growth milestones in 2026.
“Triller Group Inc. ( ‘Triller Group’ or ‘the Company’) today announced that it received a determination letter from a Nasdaq Hearings Panel on December 26, 2025, confirming the suspension of trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market effective at the open of the market on December 30, 2025 and delisting of the Company’s securities. This decision stems from the Company not having been able to file two periodic reports by a deadline of December 24, 2025 set by the Hearings Panel.”
— Triller Group Inc., Company Statement
“The Company’s operations have been progressing in a normal manner, and no deficiencies or irregularities have been identified that materially affect the Company’s financial position or operational integrity. The filing delay is attributable primarily to one remaining technical matter involving the consolidation of accounts for a U.S.-based operation within Triller Group. Management is highly confident that the Company will regain full filing compliance within weeks, positioning the Company for robust revenue growth, product development, and expansion in 2026.”
— Triller Group Inc., Company Statement
“The imposed timeline does not account fully for the substantial remediation efforts that the Company has already achieved in resolving non-recurring integration challenges following the October 2024 business combination with legacy Triller Corp. The Company’s team, in collaboration with its advisors and auditors, has spent more than a year addressing all accounting and audit matters related to legacy Triller Group’s pre-merger operations. Prior to the merger’s closing, the Company (then operating as AGBA) was in full compliance with all Nasdaq listing requirements.”
— Triller Group Inc., Company Statement
“The Company is also in the final stages of implementing a comprehensive upgrade to its accounting systems and processes in partnership with a leading accounting and finance consulting firm in Los Angeles.”
— Triller Group Inc., Company Statement
“Triller Group is fully committed to exhausting all available appeal avenues. We intend to pursue an appeal through the Nasdaq process, and to the Securities and Exchange Commission and United States Court of Appeals if necessary. We expect to regain full filing compliance and return to regular trading on a major Exchange soon. The Company has retained Jacob S. Frenkel with Dickinson Wright PLLC as counsel to appeal the decision of the Hearings Panel and pursue all possible legal challenges to the Hearings Panel’s decision and the Nasdaq’s suspension of trading and delisting of our securities. On December 29, 2025, Mr. Frenkel filed an emergency application to the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘SEC’) requesting, among other things, that the SEC stay (prevent from going into effect) the trading suspension.”
— Triller Group Inc., Company Statement
“This procedural issue has no bearing on the Company’s ongoing operations, strategic priorities, or underlying financial strength.”
— Triller Group Inc., Company Statement
“The Company looks forward to achieving key growth milestones in 2026 and will provide timely updates to the market regarding progress on its financial filings and the Nasdaq appeal process and challenges to the Nasdaq’s decisions.”
— Triller Group Inc., Company Statement
Looking Ahead: Impact on WWE and the Broader Wrestling Scene
This eventful week, centered by the Drew McIntyre WWE news, highlights WWE’s ability to generate compelling narratives that reverberate throughout sports entertainment. Drew McIntyre’s confrontation with Brandi Rhodes and the follow-up street fight against Cody Rhodes demonstrate the unpredictable excitement that WWE continues to offer. Carmelo Hayes, Natalya, and other personalities further showcase the organization’s evolving storytelling, where new champions and diverse talent push the company to new heights.
International achievements in CMLL and NJPW, business moves, and retirements of veteran wrestlers all paint a picture of a complex, thriving industry that remains dynamic across continents. As 2026 approaches, fans can anticipate ongoing drama and fresh storylines, with stars like Drew McIntyre, Cody Rhodes, Carmelo Hayes, and the broader WWE roster driving major conversations in professional wrestling around the globe.
2025 was truly an unforgettable year.
Being in NXT was an amazing experience.
I am deeply grateful to Shawn, Bloom, all coaches, staff members, wrestlers & fans.
Because of all of you, I was able to become a champion in NOAH.
I look forward to seeing you all again.#WWENXT pic.twitter.com/TiCwTHoRoi
— Yoshiki Inamura (@noah_yoshiki) December 31, 2025
今日は年内最後のショーで闘い納め！
2025年も無事に完走👍🏻
今年はレッスルマニアでタイトルを防衛できたり、キャリア最高の1年にすることができました
皆さまのたくさんの応援パワーのお陰ですっ☺️
ではでは良いお年をお迎えくださいー🌅Thanks for a great year!
I hope everyone has a happy New… pic.twitter.com/EIW32t9Yhk— IYO SKY (@Iyo_SkyWWE) December 31, 2025
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 shit. But we can do more for others. Let's try together.…
— Damian Priest (@ArcherOfInfamy) December 31, 2025
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
#WRESTLEQUEENDOM 8 ANNOUNCEMENT
Making their EVE debut at #WrestleQueendom weekend @indigoatTheO2 , London, STARDOM's High Speed Bomb Girl – AZM!!
Tickets https://t.co/um7aJGe8no & https://t.co/Asu8fuSURd pic.twitter.com/STCtEF31L5
— EVE – Riot Grrrls of Wrestling (@ProWrestlingEVE) December 31, 2025
