Cody Rhodes Told to Improvise SmackDown Promo After Backstage Frustration with TKO

Cody Rhodes’ heated SmackDown promo may not have been planned at all, and a new backstage update suggests the moment happened because of real frustration behind the scenes.

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, especially over 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 and Randy Orton followed up with multiple chair shots. It looked like the Undisputed WWE Champion might have been done for the 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 addressing the reveal that McAfee was the one 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 tells Pat he will get a receipt. He tells Pat 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, suggesting he may need to change who he is to deal with what’s ahead.

“Stephanie tells Cody he has to go to the dark place and become a bad guy. He says he doesn't know if he knows how to do it any more… Cody says he has been hearing those voices in his head. You don't want to hear what they have to say.”

With this new backstage report now out, the segment feels very different in hindsight. What looked like a normal storyline promo may have actually been fueled by last-minute changes and real frustration behind the curtain as WrestleMania 42 gets closer.

If this update is accurate, Rhodes’ late-night return may end up being remembered as more than just storyline drama — it could be a sign that tension behind the scenes is starting to show on live television.

Do you think Cody Rhodes being told to improvise made the promo stronger, or does backstage tension risk hurting the WrestleMania build? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.