WWE SmackDown Highlights: Orton & McAfee's Dominance, Celebrity Crossovers, and More!

The April 10, 2026 episode showcased a chaotic night of wrestling, with a focus on the ongoing rivalry between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, now joined by Pat McAfee.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:58am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a WWE wrestling match or competition, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form, conveying the complexity and disjointed nature of the recent SmackDown episode's narrative.A cubist interpretation of the chaotic and convoluted storylines in the latest WWE SmackDown episode.Chicago Today

The WWE SmackDown results from April 10, 2026, featured a main event match between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, with Pat McAfee as a wildcard. The match was a highlight, but the overall storyline felt convoluted and forced, with McAfee's involvement adding a layer of complexity. The tension between Rhodes and McAfee, with Jelly Roll as another wildcard, was intriguing but seemed to distract from the core Rhodes-Orton rivalry. Other matches, including Alexa Bliss' victory over Bayley and Royce Keys' impressive debut, were solid, but the celebrity crossovers, while entertaining, were not effectively integrated into the main storylines.

Why it matters

The growing influence of celebrity crossovers in WWE programming adds a layer of excitement, but it also raises questions about the long-term impact on the main storylines. The WWE must find a balance between entertaining the masses and satisfying the dedicated fans to ensure a satisfying experience for all.

The details

The match between Rhodes and Orton, with McAfee as the wildcard, was a highlight, but the overall storyline felt convoluted and forced. McAfee's involvement added a layer of complexity, as he has the backing of upper management, creating a power struggle within the narrative. The tension between Rhodes and McAfee, with Jelly Roll as the wildcard, was intriguing, but it felt like a distraction from the main event. The match between Orton and Rhodes is a classic mentor-protégé story, but the addition of McAfee and Jelly Roll diluted the focus.

  • The WWE SmackDown results are from the April 10, 2026 episode.

The players

Cody Rhodes

A professional wrestler currently signed to WWE, known for his ongoing rivalry with Randy Orton.

Randy Orton

A veteran professional wrestler in WWE, who is involved in a storyline with Cody Rhodes and Pat McAfee.

Pat McAfee

A former NFL player and current WWE commentator, who has become involved in the storyline between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton.

Jelly Roll

A musician who has been introduced as a wildcard in the storyline involving Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and Pat McAfee.

Alexa Bliss

A professional wrestler in WWE, who defeated Bayley in a match on the April 10, 2026 episode of SmackDown.

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The takeaway

The April 10, 2026 episode of WWE SmackDown was a mixed bag, with some compelling matches and a confusing storyline. The WWE needs to carefully navigate the balance between celebrity involvement and the integrity of their main narratives to ensure a satisfying experience for all fans.