The opening segment of tonight’s WWE SmackDown began with a physical confrontation in the parking lot involving Drew McIntyre, General Manager Nick Aldis, and Cody Rhodes. McIntyre arrived at the venue driving a white truck but was immediately met by Nick Aldis and a security team.
Aldis confronted McIntyre to enforce a suspension levied against him following the events of the WarGames match at Survivor Series. McIntyre argued the decision with the General Manager but eventually agreed to leave the premises. As McIntyre re-entered the vehicle to depart, Cody Rhodes revealed himself to be hiding in the passenger seat of the truck.
Rhodes ambushed McIntyre from the interior of the vehicle, striking him and raking his eyes. Security personnel intervened to separate the two men. McIntyre managed to close the door and drive the truck away from the arena, leaving Rhodes in the parking lot.
Rhodes Demands Reinstatement
Following the altercation, Cody Rhodes entered the ring to address the situation. He directed his comments toward Nick Aldis, explicitly demanding that the General Manager reinstate Drew McIntyre. Rhodes argued that the suspension prevents him from settling a personal grievance.
Rhodes cited McIntyre’s actions at Survivor Series as the primary motivation for his demand. He referenced an attack by McIntyre on his tour bus during the Premium Live Event. Rhodes categorized this specific act as a violation of an “unwritten rule” in the industry, explaining that the tour bus serves as the sleeping quarters for his family.
“WWE’s Resident Cockroach”
Rhodes referred to McIntyre as “WWE’s resident cockroach.” He insisted that the issues between them must be resolved inside the ring rather than through administrative suspensions.
Rhodes acknowledged McIntyre’s threat level, admitting that while McIntyre has not defeated him yet, he possesses the capability to be the opponent who could “break” him. Rhodes concluded the segment by vowing to “stomp him out” before discarding the microphone.
WWE's resident cockroach?! 😳
Cody Rhodes is NOT holding back… pic.twitter.com/vKvTPisoOS
— WWE (@WWE) December 6, 2025
