WWE News & Rumor Roundup: 1,167-Day Return, Cody Rhodes’ Future, and a Drew McIntyre Shift

The WWE landscape continues to evolve rapidly as the company moves closer to its biggest events of the year. From a shocking 1,167-day return, to growing questions surrounding Cody Rhodes’ future, and a noticeable change in direction for Drew McIntyre, here’s a complete roundup of the latest WWE news and rumors making waves this week.

A WWE Star Returns After 1,167 Days Away

One of the most surprising stories to emerge recently involves a WWE star making an in-ring return after 1,167 days on the sidelines — a gap of more than three years.

The return took place quietly, without heavy promotion, but longtime fans immediately recognized the significance. After time spent away due to brand changes, releases, and competing in other promotions, the wrestler stepped back into a WWE ring, marking one of the longest absences followed by a comeback in recent memory.

Although the returning star did not pick up a win in the comeback match, the appearance alone signals WWE’s willingness to revisit overlooked or forgotten talent — especially as the company looks to add depth to its roster moving into 2026.

What’s Next for Cody Rhodes?

Questions surrounding Cody Rhodes’ long-term future continue to circulate backstage and among fans.

Rhodes remains one of WWE’s most reliable top stars, but recent developments have sparked debate over:

• Whether he will remain firmly in the main-event picture

• If a significant character shift could be on the horizon

• How WWE plans to position him heading into WrestleMania season

Despite speculation, there is no indication that WWE’s confidence in Rhodes has diminished. On the contrary, his consistent presentation suggests the company still views him as a cornerstone talent — though creative flexibility may be required to keep his story fresh.

At this stage, the expectation remains that Rhodes will play a major role in WWE’s biggest matches moving forward, even if his path is adjusted along the way.

Drew McIntyre’s Direction Appears to Be Changing

Another major talking point is the evolving presentation of Drew McIntyre.

Following a controversial decision on SmackDown, fans noticed a shift in how McIntyre is being portrayed. The change has sparked discussion about whether WWE is:

• Setting up a new phase of his character

• Preparing him for a different role on the roster

• Slowly pivoting away from his previous positioning

A WWE official has since addressed the situation, making it clear that McIntyre remains part of long-term creative plans. While the recent decision raised eyebrows, it appears to be part of a broader storyline rather than a loss of confidence in the former champion.

Historically, WWE has often used moments like these as turning points — not conclusions — for major stars.

What This All Means for WWE Moving Forward

Taken together, these stories highlight a few clear trends within WWE right now:

• Roster depth is expanding, with long-absent names being reintroduced

• Top stars remain central, even amid speculation and creative shifts

• Character evolution is prioritized, especially for established main-event talent

As WWE builds toward its next major premium live events and eventually WrestleMania, these developments suggest a period of transition rather than instability.

Final Thoughts

The latest WWE news cycle proves once again that change is constant in professional wrestling. A surprise return after 1,167 days, ongoing speculation about Cody Rhodes’ future, and a subtle shift in Drew McIntyre’s role all point toward a company actively reshaping its landscape.

Whether these moves pay off will depend on execution — but for now, WWE fans have plenty to discuss as the road ahead continues to take shape.