WWE SmackDown Recap: McAfee's Involvement in Orton-Rhodes Feud Criticized

Cody Rhodes calls out WWE creative for the surprising twist in the Randy Orton storyline

Apr. 4, 2026 at 12:03pm

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The April 3rd episode of WWE SmackDown featured several notable moments, including Pat McAfee's reveal as the voice on the phone advising Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes' fiery promo criticizing the creative decision, Sami Zayn's successful US title defense against Carmelo Hayes, and more.

Why it matters

The involvement of Pat McAfee in the Orton-Rhodes feud has been widely criticized as a poor creative decision that detracts from the long-running storyline between the two wrestlers. Cody Rhodes' promo addressing this directly speaks to growing frustrations with the WWE's creative direction.

The details

The show opened with Randy Orton cutting a promo in his hometown of St. Louis, where he was confronted by Cody Rhodes. After a physical altercation, Pat McAfee came out and kicked Rhodes below the belt, before Orton attacked Rhodes with a chair as McAfee provided commentary. McAfee then revealed that he had been the voice on the phone advising Orton. Later, Cody Rhodes cut a promo ripping into the creative decision to involve McAfee, comparing it to the nWo adding Disco Inferno instead of Hulk Hogan. Elsewhere on the show, Sami Zayn retained the US Title against Carmelo Hayes in the main event, while Danhausen's interference helped R-Truth and Damian Priest retain the Tag Team Titles.

  • The April 3rd episode of WWE SmackDown took place at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri.
  • The Cody Rhodes-Randy Orton feud has been building for over 20 years, dating back to their time in WWE together.

The players

Randy Orton

A veteran WWE superstar known as 'The Viper' who is involved in a long-running feud with Cody Rhodes.

Cody Rhodes

A former WWE superstar who returned to the company in 2022 and is engaged in a high-profile feud with Randy Orton.

Pat McAfee

A former NFL punter who has transitioned into a WWE commentator and personality, and was revealed to be the voice advising Randy Orton.

Sami Zayn

The current WWE United States Champion who successfully defended his title against Carmelo Hayes.

Carmelo Hayes

A rising WWE superstar who challenged Sami Zayn for the United States Championship.

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What they’re saying

“What are you gonna do? Fire me? It sure worked out for you the last time.”

— Cody Rhodes

“The reveal of McAfee being the voice in Orton's ear is easily a top 3 worst creative decision of this current regime, and it's not No. 3.”

— Matthew Wells, Author

What’s next

With Cody Rhodes hinting at a potential heel turn, and the Sami Zayn-Trick Williams feud continuing to build, the storylines heading into WrestleMania 42 are set to intensify in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The involvement of Pat McAfee in the Orton-Rhodes feud has been widely criticized as a misstep by WWE creative, detracting from the long-running storyline between the two wrestlers. Cody Rhodes' passionate promo addressing this directly speaks to the growing frustrations among fans with some of the creative decisions being made.