Did Cody Rhodes go off script in his promo on WWE SmackDown after Pat McAfee’s attack?

Pat McAfee was revealed as Randy Orton’s mystery caller.

During the opening moments of April 3 SmackDown, Cody Rhodes interrupted Randy Orton’s promo, igniting a brawl. Pat McAfee suddenly appeared in the ring, delivering a low blow to Rhodes as he joined Orton in the beatdown.

He then picked up the mic, cutting a promo and revealing that he was the mystery caller, saying he aligned with Orton because the business under Cody was failing and that Orton would be the one to save it. 

In response to the beatdown and the promo, Rhodes, during the co-main event of the show, came out of nowhere, taking down Kit Wilson with a Cross Rhodes and delivering a scathing promo on McAfee and Orton.

Now reports from Bodyslam have revealed the backstage details on Rhodes’ promo and the real issues regarding TKO’s involvement in major storylines.

Also Read: Who chose Pat McAfee as Randy Orton’s Mystery Caller on WWE SmackDown? Backstage details revealed

Cody Rhodes and WWE’s creative uneasy about TKO’s role in shaping storylines

Reports after the show on Friday revealed that the decision to involve McAfee in the storyline didn’t come from Triple H, but rather a directive from TKO leadership to WWE creative, with one source suggesting the directive might have come from as high up as Ari Emanuel.

Now, a report from Bodyslam reports that Rhodes was told to return to the ring for an unscheduled promo, reportedly in response to Pat McAfee’s earlier off-script segment.

The report added that Rhodes and WWE creative have ongoing concerns about TKO’s involvement in storylines in the lead-up to WrestleMania in recent years.

“Sources indicate to BodySlam that Rhodes was told from members of the creative team to go to the ring and shoot from the hip regarding Pat McAfee and TKO.

Rhodes and other members of the creative team have legitimate gripes with TKO for sticking their nose in storylines close to WrestleMania multiple years in a row.”

In his promo, Rhodes echoed fans’ sentiment, noting that fans had been waiting to see who Randy Orton’s mystery man was, and it turned out to be Pat McAfee, which he compared to Kevin Nash and Scott Hall’s third man in nWO being Disco Inferno, instead of Hulk Hogan.

He called Pat McAfee a “hat rack” who would get what was coming to him and joked about whether that went too far or if he would get fired, reminding that it sure worked for them the first time.

“That’s like if Scott Hall and Kevin Nash talked about the third man in the NWO and instead of Hulk Hogan, it was Disco Inferno. Pat, you stoner, grifter, Logan Paul without muscles, you’re gonna get your receipt!”

On the other hand, McAfee’s promo was off-script, where he mentioned real-life issues, including poor WrestleMania ticket sales. Rhodes’ promo was a result of these comments.

Pat McAfee’s inclusion was aimed at increasing interest in WrestleMania

Additionally, Fightful Select has reported that the internal response to McAfee’s promo was mixed, but WWE is aware of the online reaction.

The outlet also reports that Pat McAfee’s inclusion in the storyline was aimed at increasing interest in the event and promoting corporate synergy between WWE and ESPN.

Notably, WWE had never experienced such outside interference or control over storylines or creative decisions before the TKO takeover. It remains to be seen how the inclusion affects the storyline between Orton and Rhodes leading into their WrestleMania showdown.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Wrestling on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram & Whatsapp.