Below are some top WWE news stories of the day.
• Jim Smallman, a key figure in NXT’s creative team, has announced his departure from the position to return to the UK and focus on his family.
Smallman, known for co-founding PROGRESS Wrestling before joining WWE, shared on social media that the decision was difficult but necessary to be a better father to his two children. He cited personal health issues last year as a wake-up call, emphasizing the challenges of being an engaged parent while living 4,000 miles away.
During his tenure, Smallman made a lasting impact, contributing to 216 episodes of NXT UK, 150 episodes of Level Up, and 190 episodes of NXT. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to Shawn Michaels, Triple H, William Regal, and the WWE talents he worked with, describing his final day as emotional.
Smallman later noted that he’s not leaving WWE:
“I am not leaving WWE. Just my job in NXT creative. And also the state of Florida, obvs. Next stop, Manchester Airport tomorrow morning!”
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• Drew McIntyre hinted at a major future feud with Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes during a recent TikTok live session, teasing that the eventual clash would be a significant and highly emotional event.
While keeping details vague, McIntyre confirmed secret plans involving Rhodes and expressed confidence that the rivalry would captivate fans with both physical and emotional intensity.
McIntyre highlighted parallels between his and Rhodes’ careers, noting their impactful work outside WWE. He credited himself with redefining independent wrestling and praised Rhodes for creating and elevating a new wrestling company (AEW).
Drew also acknowledged the achievements of wrestlers like Matt Cardona (Zack Ryder) in showcasing the potential of true independent wrestling.
While avoiding specifics, McIntyre emphasized that the buildup and eventual showdown with Rhodes would be monumental, urging fans to stay tuned for what promises to be a memorable rivalry.
Here’s what the former World Heavyweight Champion said:
“I don’t want to give too much away on here. It’s going to be significant when the time comes. He says his piece, I say my piece. The world is going to be along for the ride.
Feelings will be hurt, bodies will be hurt. But for now, he went out just like myself. I redefined what independent wrestling meant. He ended up forming another company, taking it to the next level. You see Matt Cardona now, showing what can be done at the true independent level.
Cody and I, it’s going to be big when it happens.”
