Photo by Bradlee Rutledge/WWE via Getty Images

Why Everyone Is Talking About Cody Rhodes Ahead of WWE WrestleMania 42 – Explained

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Manuel Meza Cienfuegos | Last updated Apr 5, 2026 5:12 PM ET

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is at the center of controversy for allegedly going off script on Friday on SmackDown while confronting Pat McAfee.

McAfee was unexpectedly "injected" into the storyline between Randy Orton and Rhodes heading into WrestleMania 42.

"We got all dressed up in St. Louis tonight to find out who Randy Orton was talking to on the phone," Rhodes said unexpectedly. "And color me surprised, it was Pat McAfee. That's like if Scott Hall and Kevin Nash talked about the third man in the NWO, and instead of Hulk Hogan, it was Disco Inferno."

"Pat, you stoner, grifter, Logan Paul without muscles, human hat rack, fly by night, you're gonna get your receipt," he added. "And boy, I felt it. And I should have, you're a former NFL punter. But Pat, you and everyone who represents you, and I know who I'm talking to, can kiss my a--."

Pat McAfee (R) punts Cody Rhodes (L) during SmackDown at Enterprise Center on April 3, 2026, in St Louis, Missouri.Getty Images

Why Cody Rhodes Called Out Pat McAfee, TKO on WWE SmackDown

Rhodes' words apparently stem from real-life frustration rather than a pre-written script. According to Bodyslam (h/t Heavy), there is a reason why the WWE Champion said what he said.

"Sources indicate to Bodyslam that Rhodes was told by members of the creative team to go to the ring and shoot from the hip regarding Pat McAfee and TKO. Rhodes and other members of the creative team have legitimate gripes with TKO for sticking their nose in storylines close to WrestleMania multiple years in a row."

TKO Group Holdings has a degree of control over WWE following the merger of WWE and UFC under the Endeavor umbrella.

Internally, Rhodes was apparently told to "shoot" and express his frustration over McAfee being inserted into the main storyline heading into WrestleMania. The strategy appears to have worked, as Friday night felt unusual.

The WWE Champion also responded to a comment about his six-year absence from WWE, saying, "Oh no, is that too far? What are you going to do, fire me? It sure worked out for you the last time."

In short, Rhodes held nothing back.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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