Pat McAfee Returns to WWE SmackDown, Attacks Cody Rhodes

Pat McAfee returned to WWE on the April 3, 2026, edition of SmackDown, where he aligned himself with Randy Orton to attack Cody Rhodes.

The return took place during a confrontation between Orton and Rhodes. During the segment, Orton claimed that Rhodes had given him his blessing and that the conflict between them was not personal. Orton stated that Rhodes could be the viper and the best version of himself, noting that he could listen to the voices.

Orton further asserted that he had seen those voices talking to Rhodes, specifically mentioning an interaction in the ring with Stephanie McMahon. Orton claimed that McMahon was not lying when she told Rhodes that he could not beat him, adding that the voices in Rhodes’ head were conveying the same message. Orton concluded by telling Rhodes that he is not a killer and that whatever had been awoken inside Orton could not be put back to bed.

Cody’s music hits and out he comes. He gets in the ring and both men with right hands. In comes Pat McAfee from behind and he low blows Cody. Orton grabs a steel chair and Orton gives Pat a microphone. Orton hits Cody with the steel chair.

Roy Nemer, WrestleView

Following the attack, a promo revealed that Pat McAfee was the individual behind the mystery phone calls made to Randy Orton in recent weeks. McAfee stated that he believes WWE is currently struggling and claimed that he and Orton are the ones capable of turning the company around.

McAfee specifically cited underwhelming ticket sales for WrestleMania and claimed that television ratings have reached their lowest point. He attributed these failures to Cody Rhodes serving as the face of the company. McAfee declared that he and Orton are going to save the f**king business.

As McAfee and Orton exited the arena, McAfee elaborated on his motivations for contacting Orton. He stated, Sometimes you’ve just gotta remind people that they’re in the GOAT conversation, about to take the GOAT spot, to save the business.

Context and Stakes

This appearance marks McAfee’s first time back with the company since September 2025. His final appearance prior to this return occurred at Wrestlepalooza, after which he took a hiatus due to mental exhaustion.

The alignment between McAfee and Orton carries significant stakes heading into WrestleMania. McAfee has stated that he will never return to wrestling television if Randy Orton loses his match at the event.

The attack left Cody Rhodes in the ring, where he required assistance from producers to stand up. Rhodes later reacted to the attack by Orton and McAfee en route to WrestleMania, stating that Pat McAfee can kiss my a**.