WWE News Roundup: Superstar has permanent nerve damage following career-threatening injury, Rhea Ripley photo goes viral, Drew McIntyre's future

Welcome to the WWE News Roundup for December 22, 2024. In today's edition, we'll look at topics about Monday Night RAW Superstars Rhea Ripley and Drew McIntyre.

Plus, a major champion who wants to return for a Royal Rumble spot, and more. Let's begin:

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#4 Rhea Ripley goes viral after WWE Saturday Night's Main Event

WWE recently released behind-the-scenes photos from Saturday Night's Main Event, where Chelsea Green became the inaugural Women's United States Champion. Interestingly, Green and Rhea Ripley were spotted together backstage.

In one of the pictures, the two stars can be seen sharing a heartwarming moment:

Rhea Ripley also commented on the above photo, mentioning that she was proud of the first-ever WWE Women's United States Champion.

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#3 Could Nic Nemeth (Dolph Ziggler) return at WWE Royal Rumble 2025?

The man formerly known as Dolph Ziggler departed World Wrestling Entertainment in 2023. Now, he is the TNA World Heavyweight Champion and a one-off return to his former company may not be a far-fetched scenario.

Nic Nemeth was recently asked about possibly entering the 2025 Men's Royal Rumble match. While speaking to The Daily Star, he explained:

"A Rumble spot? Dude, that's so cool. WWE is killing it right now. To do something fun, wear my old trunks, get the old music to play, come out there, and kick somebody in the face? That would be awesome." Nic Nemeth continued, "But the most important thing would be to have a viral moment, so I could talk about TNA. That’s the only reason I would want to do it. It'd be cool to see some old friends."

If Nemeth does show up at the Royal Rumble event in February, he will not be the first TNA star to appear on a WWE show. Thanks to the working relationship between these companies, anything is possible.

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#2 Health update on Ivar

It hasn't been the easiest year for Ivar, who recently won the World Tag Team Championship with Erik on WWE RAW. Before his comeback and title win, Ivar was sidelined for several months due to a serious neck injury.

The 40-year-old star thought he would have to retire at first. He already had a double fusion in his neck from a previous injury. Thankfully, Ivar could avoid another neck fusion and work towards making his in-ring return.

Speaking on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Ivar discussed his current quality of life, noting that he has permanent nerve damage:

"So, I'm pretty good now. To be fair, I do have permanent nerve damage and nerve pain in my hands, and that will never go away. That's something I live with. But as far as everything else, I got most of my mobility back to my neck. It's a little stiff now because I have another herniation, but I still have very good range of motion. I credit that to yoga pretty much."

Ivar added:

"All my strength has returned to my arm, so I have no problems there, so it's really just the nerve pain right now from the original injury that I have that's permanent. But I have good days and bad days. Some days I can really feel it going down my arm a little bit, and some days I can't feel it all. It kind of all depends. But quality of life, I feel pretty good."

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#1 Drew McIntyre teases a big WWE feud

On TikTok, Drew McIntyre recently spoke about a potential storyline with Cody Rhodes:

"I don't want to give too much away on here. It's going to be significant when the time comes. He [Cody Rhodes] 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 [AEW], taking it to the next level. You see someone like Matt Cardona now, showing what can be done at the true independent level."

McIntyre continued:

"Cody and I, it's going to be big when it happens."

Interestingly, Drew McIntyre defeated Cody Rhodes during their only televised singles match in WWE. That bout took place in February 2024. The next time they face each other, Rhodes' Undisputed WWE Championship could be on the line.

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