Report: WWE has “reworked” plans following negative reaction to Pat McAfee reveal on Smackdown

As seen during the April 3rd 2026 edition of WWE SmackDown, Pat McAfee was revealed as Randy Orton’s mystery phone caller after he attacked WWE Champion Cody Rhodes.

The SmackDown episode ended up being voted as one of the worst shows in wrestling history. According to WrestleVotes Radio, WWE has “reworked” some plans for SmackDown following the negative reaction to the McAfee heel turn.

WrestleVotes also noted that there had been speculation about additional outside involvement, potentially including Jelly Roll. It’s believed that WWE has gone back to the drawing board to explore different directions for the storyline.

Sources indicated that CM Punk’s comments on Monday reflected this shift, with plans becoming fluid throughout the week. His remarks were reportedly not part of the original plan as of the Friday when the McAfee reveal took place.