Breaking: Cody Rhodes’ WWE SmackDown Promo Targeting TKO Was Unscripted

Cody Rhodes had a rare forgettable evening on SmackDown on Friday.

In the opening segment, The American Nightmare confronted Randy Orton owing to their ongoing feud and Orton’s brutal attack on him a few weeks ago.

The two superstars are scheduled to face off for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42, scheduled for April 18 & 19.

Rhodes got the better of The Viper, as he cornered him into the turnbuckles with impactful kicks and punches. However, Pat McAfee, who relinquished his commentary duties last year, surprisingly returned on the show and attacked Cody Rhodes.

He also revealed that he was Randy Orton’s mystery caller, who had been speaking to him over the last several weeks.

The decision to introduce Pat McAfee in this role drew backlash from many fans, who expected it to be someone with the knowledge of the ins and outs of the business.

Turns out the idea did not come from Triple H, but rather someone from TKO.

Cody Rhodes’ Promo Targeting TKO Was Unscripted

Cody Rhodes made a second appearance in the final hour of the show.

Following the Tag Team Championship match between R-Truth/Damian Priest and The Miz/Kit Wilson, Rhodes entered the ring and took out Wilson with a Cross Rhodes.

He then asked for a mic and cut an angry promo.

According to a report by Bodyslam.net, the promo was unscripted and came at the direction of WWE creative. Displeased by TKO’s interference in their storytelling, the creative team told Rhodes to “shoot from the hip,” targeting McAfee and TKO.

The promo was also an impromptu segment, as it was not listed in the original rundown for the show.

During his angry promo, The American Nightmare mocked the reveal by comparing it to Hulk Hogan joining the nWo at Bash at the Beach 1996, although in an ill-suited manner.

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.

Former WCW star Disco Inferno, who has previously feuded with Cody Rhodes online, reacted to the segment later.