WWE SmackDown Delivers Surprises Before WrestleMania

Pat McAfee and Randy Orton upstage Cody Rhodes, while two new stars make their in-ring debuts

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:22am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a WWE wrestling match, with the wrestlers' bodies and the ring broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes in a vibrant color palette, capturing the raw energy and unpredictability of the event.The unexpected tag team victory by Pat McAfee and Randy Orton over Cody Rhodes on SmackDown sets the stage for a chaotic and unpredictable road to WrestleMania.Las Vegas Today

The latest episode of WWE SmackDown featured several major storyline developments ahead of WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas. Highlights included Pat McAfee and Randy Orton stealing the spotlight from Cody Rhodes, as well as the in-ring debuts of two new Superstars.

Why it matters

With WrestleMania just around the corner, the events on SmackDown set the stage for some potentially huge matches and moments at the biggest event of the year. The surprise appearances and title changes could have major ramifications on the WrestleMania card and the future of WWE.

The details

On the show, Pat McAfee and Randy Orton teamed up to defeat Cody Rhodes, stealing his spotlight just weeks before his highly anticipated WrestleMania match. Additionally, two new Superstars made their in-ring debuts, signaling the arrival of fresh talent to the WWE roster.

  • The April 10 episode of WWE SmackDown aired just two weeks before WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas.
  • The surprise tag team victory by McAfee and Orton over Cody Rhodes occurred during the main event segment of the show.

The players

Pat McAfee

A former NFL punter who has become a popular on-air personality in WWE, known for his charismatic and outspoken persona.

Randy Orton

A veteran WWE Superstar and 14-time world champion, known for his ruthless and calculating in-ring style.

Cody Rhodes

A third-generation WWE Superstar who has been on a meteoric rise, earning a main event match at WrestleMania 42.

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What they’re saying

“I came to SmackDown to make a statement, and that's exactly what I did. Cody Rhodes is going to have to wait his turn, because Randy Orton and I just stole the show.”

— Pat McAfee, WWE Commentator

“Cody may think he's the next big thing, but he's got a lot to learn. Randy and I proved tonight that we're the ones who are going to steal the spotlight at WrestleMania.”

— Pat McAfee, WWE Commentator

What’s next

With WrestleMania 42 just two weeks away, the fallout from the events on SmackDown will likely continue to play out, potentially setting up new matches and storylines for the biggest event of the year.

The takeaway

The latest episode of SmackDown showcased the unpredictable nature of WWE, as established stars like McAfee and Orton were able to upstage a rising talent like Cody Rhodes. This sets the stage for an exciting and potentially chaotic WrestleMania season.