Cody Rhodes delivered a notable promo on SmackDown on Friday, but new details suggest the segment was never originally planned.
According to a report from BodySlam+, Cody Rhodes’ appearance on the April 3, 2026, episode of WWE SmackDown was not listed in the internal rundown, with the promo only added after a strong reaction on social media to recent storyline developments.
The segment came in response to the reveal of Pat McAfee as the associate of Randy Orton, with Rhodes’ comments reportedly carrying underlying frustration. It was noted that some of his remarks appeared to be directed towards TKO Group Holdings and the creative direction surrounding the angle.
Cody Rhodes Was Encouraged By WWE Creative To “Shoot” In His SmackDown Promo
Cody Rhodes was said to have been encouraged by members of the creative team to speak candidly, leading to a promo that reflected a genuine reaction to the situation.
The report also suggested that frustration stemmed from late changes so close to WrestleMania 42, with comparisons drawn to previous creative decisions, including the widely discussed involvement of Travis Scott during the WrestleMania 41 main event, where fans had anticipated The Rock.
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