Cody Rhodes Improvised SmackDown Promo After TKO Frustration
Cody Rhodes delivered a heated promo on the April 3 episode of SmackDown that may have been completely unscripted. According to sources, the Undisputed WWE Champion was told to improvise the segment after backstage frustration with TKO reached a boiling point.
According to Bodyslam.net, sources said Rhodes was told by members of WWE creative to go to the ring and "shoot from the hip" about Pat McAfee and TKO after backlash started pouring in online. The promo reportedly wasn't listed on the internal rundown and wasn't scheduled to happen before social media reaction began building.
Sources also indicated that Rhodes and other members of the creative team have legitimate issues with TKO. The frustration stems from claims that corporate decisions have affected storylines close to WrestleMania multiple years in a row.
Earlier in the show, Rhodes had been taken out during the opening segment after Pat McAfee blindsided him. Randy Orton followed up with multiple chair shots, seemingly ending the champion's night.
However, Rhodes returned during the final hour after the SmackDown Tag Team Title match. He attacked Kit Wilson with a CrossRhodes and grabbed a microphone, immediately announcing that McAfee was behind Orton's mystery phone calls.
Rhodes mocked the reveal in front of the crowd and compared it to one of wrestling's most famous moments, but not in a flattering way.
"We all got dressed up to find out who it was that Randy was talking to on the phone. Then it was Pat McAfee. That is the same as the third member of the nWo not being Hulk Hogan, but Disco Inferno."
Rhodes then made it clear that he plans to get even with McAfee. He told McAfee that he will get a receipt and that him and everyone he is with can kiss his ass.
He also hinted that the situation is pushing him into a darker mindset as WrestleMania 42 gets closer. Rhodes suggested he may need to change who he is to deal with what's ahead.
