On last night’s WWE Smackdown, an unannounced promo ended up on the show and the circumstances surrounding it seem to pain a picture of dissension within the ranks of the company.
BodySlam+ reported that Cody Rhodes’ promo prior to the main event was not only unannounced but that the WWE Undisputed champion was told by members of the creative team to go to the ring and “shoot from the hip” regarding Pat McAfee being revealed as Randy Orton’s mystery caller.
The report adds that the Rhodes promo was not listed on internal rundown sheets because it was never scheduled to happen until social media blew up with negativity following McAfee’s reveal. It was then that Rhodes was sent out to cut his promo where he directly targeted McAfee and indirectly referenced TKO.
They add that McAfee being revealed as the mystery caller was finalized around the time of Elimination Chamber and that the directive came from TKO executives. It was further noted that members of WWE’s creative team have legitimate “gripes with TKO for sticking their nose in storylines” especially with WrestleMania 42 just around the corner.
Finally, it was reported that McAfee’s promo opening Smackdown was “completely off script” which is what resulted in Rhodes being sent out to do cut his promo later in the show.