The April 10 episode of WWE SmackDown played a key role in building momentum toward WrestleMania 42, delivering a chaotic and highly charged segment involving Cody Rhodes and Pat McAfee in front of a vocal San Jose crowd.

McAfee opened the segment to a hostile reaction from fans, who made it clear they were not on his side following last week’s controversial actions. On the previous episode, McAfee shocked viewers by attacking Rhodes with a low blow before delivering a scathing promo that stirred strong reactions across the wrestling world.

This week, McAfee continued his verbal assault, taking aim at CM Punk. He mocked Punk’s comments from RAW and sarcastically questioned where Punk’s merchandise royalties were going, even referencing Saudi Arabia in a pointed remark. McAfee then labeled himself an “agent of change” and made a notable announcement, claiming WWE would offer WrestleMania tickets at a 25% discount until the end of next week’s RAW.

He didn’t stop there, boldly predicting that WrestleMania Sunday would fall flat while declaring that Randy Orton would capture his 15th world title on night one.

Rhodes soon interrupted, confronting McAfee face-to-face. He stated that McAfee doesn’t belong in WWE and referenced how Nick Aldis had made it clear that no one was allowed to get physical with him. Rhodes criticized McAfee as a “play wrestler” and emphasized that fans are family, not just customers.

The exchange quickly escalated, with Rhodes telling McAfee that while fans want to see Orton at WrestleMania, they have no interest in seeing him. McAfee fired back with personal insults, calling Rhodes a “cosplay champion” and taking shots at his appearance and background.

McAfee then raised the stakes, vowing that if Orton fails to leave WrestleMania as a 15-time world champion, he would walk away from professional wrestling entirely. The crowd responded with chants of “go home,” prompting McAfee to lash out further.

As Rhodes prepared to leave, tensions spiked again when GUNTHER was mentioned as a potential threat to McAfee. Moments later, the situation took another turn when Orton appeared on the screen, standing over Jelly Roll backstage. Orton then made his way to the ring and blindsided Rhodes, laying him out just eight days before their WrestleMania 42 showdown.

The segment added another layer of intensity to the rivalry, with McAfee’s involvement continuing to divide both fans and the locker room as WrestleMania approaches.

WWE SmackDown Sees Heated Cody Rhodes and Pat McAfee Confrontation

AdvertisementAdvertisement

Jordynne Grace made her in-ring return ahead of the April 10 episode of WWE SmackDown, competing in a match taped for WWE Main Event.

Grace faced Zelina Vega in the bout, marking her first match back following a recent injury setback.

Her last outing came on March 6 in a match against Alba Fyre, which was also taped for Main Event. During that match, Grace suffered an apparent ankle injury when it twisted awkwardly as she attempted to avoid Fyre in the corner. The injury forced the match to be pulled, and it ultimately never aired.

Following the incident, Grace shared an update on social media, posting a photo of herself using a walking boot and a wheelchair. The wheelchair was provided by Chelsea Green, who was also dealing with an ankle injury at the time.

Before the setback, Grace’s most recent televised match took place on the February 27 episode of SmackDown, where she picked up a win over Candice LeRae.

Her return to the ring this week suggests that the injury was not as severe as initially feared, and she appears to be back in action as WWE continues to feature her on Main Event tapings tied to SmackDown broadcasts.

Jordynne Grace Returns to Action After Injury Scare

AdvertisementAdvertisement

Royce Keys has officially arrived on WWE SmackDown, making a strong first impression during his in-ring debut on the April 10 episode from San Jose, California.

Formerly known as Powerhouse Hobbs in All Elite Wrestling, Keys was introduced with a video package highlighting his hometown roots before stepping into the ring. WWE further emphasized his presence by presenting him as “The Mon-Star,” signaling big expectations for the newcomer.

Keys faced Berto, who was accompanied by Angel. After both men made their entrances, Keys received an extended introduction before the match got underway.

Berto initially tried to slow the pace with a headlock, but Keys quickly took control, using his power advantage to send Berto into the ropes and drop him with a clothesline before following up with a slam. Keys maintained pressure early, but outside interference from Angel allowed Berto to briefly gain momentum, sending Keys into the ring post.

Back in the ring, Berto connected with a missile dropkick from the top rope for a near fall and continued his offense with strikes and a second-rope attack. However, the turning point came when Berto attempted a springboard crossbody, only for Keys to catch him mid-air and deliver a fallaway slam, drawing a strong reaction from the crowd.

From there, Keys took over, hitting a running powerslam and a corner splash. Angel attempted another distraction on the apron, but Keys knocked him down with a clothesline before finishing Berto with a thunderous spinebuster to secure the win.

Later in the show, Keys was interviewed backstage by Cathy Kelley when he was approached by Solo Sikoa. Sikoa told Keys that he “runs things” on SmackDown and made it clear that if Keys needed anything, his door was open—hinting at a potential alliance or future storyline development.

Keys’ dominant debut and immediate interaction with Sikoa positions him as a notable new force on SmackDown moving forward.

Royce Keys Dominates in WWE SmackDown Debut

AdvertisementAdvertisement