Fans are going in hard on WWE and Pat McAfees surprise role in the Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes storyline is taking most of the heat. The backlash from the April 3 episode of SmackDown has reached a new level, with the show crashing to a 0.25 rating on Cagematch. That number doesnt just look bad it officially makes this the lowest-rated episode of SmackDown in the platforms history, and the second lowest-rated wrestling event ever, just behind the infamous Heroes of Wrestling in 1999. The reaction has been fueled largely by the reveal that McAfee was Randy Ortons mystery ally a twist that many fans felt completely derailed a feud that had been built on real history between Orton and Cody Rhodes. One fan broke down their frustration in detail, pointing directly at the decision to insert a celebrity into what they felt should have been a grounded WrestleMania storyline. Another fan took a broader view of the show, criticizing not just the McAfee reveal but multiple creative choices across the episode especially considering this was one of the final SmackDowns before WrestleMania 42. The common thread in the backlash is clear fans feel the McAfee reveal took focus away from the core story between Orton and Rhodes, and instead turned a major WrestleMania program into something they didnt ask for. With the show now sitting at a historic low rating, the reaction isnt just loud its record-breaking. And with WrestleMania 42 right around the corner, WWE now has to deal with a fanbase thats openly rejecting one of its biggest storyline directions. Do you think the Pat McAfee reveal actually hurt the Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes feud, or will it pay off by the time WrestleMania 42 hits? Drop your thoughts below and let us know. G Add as a preferred source on Google
