Orton and McAfee Dominate WWE SmackDown, But Backstage Influence Raises Questions

The partnership between Randy Orton and Pat McAfee hints at a power struggle beyond the ring, as celebrity crossovers and corporate agendas shape the narrative.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:05am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a WWE match between Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes, with the figures and action broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes, conveying the sense of underlying tensions and power struggles beyond the ring.The complex power dynamics and corporate influence behind the scenes of WWE SmackDown are reflected in a cubist-inspired illustration of the main event.Denver Today

The latest WWE SmackDown event was a prime example of the blurred lines between genuine competition and manufactured drama in professional wrestling. While Randy Orton and Pat McAfee emerged victorious over Cody Rhodes and Jelly Roll in the main event, the real story lies in the increasingly complex web of alliances and corporate influence shaping the narrative.

Why it matters

The Orton-McAfee partnership suggests a power play that extends beyond the ring, hinting at backstage politics influencing on-screen storylines. This raises questions about how much of the show's direction is a direct result of creative decisions versus external pressures or agendas.

The details

The notion that McAfee, a media personality, wields influence with "upper management" is a significant development. This is further underscored by SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis' warning to Rhodes about physical contact with McAfee, indicating adherence to directives from higher up rather than just protecting the talent.

  • The Orton-McAfee partnership has been building since July 2025.

The players

Randy Orton

A veteran WWE superstar and 14-time world champion.

Pat McAfee

A media personality who has been involved in various WWE storylines.

Cody Rhodes

A rising star in WWE and the son of the legendary Dusty Rhodes.

Jelly Roll

A Grammy-nominated rapper who has made his WWE debut.

Nick Aldis

The SmackDown General Manager.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

The takeaway

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