Ups & Downs: WWE Smackdown Review (Apr 3)

The episode of 'Ups & Downs' reviews WWE SmackDown from April 3, 2026, with the host delivering a scathing yet entertaining critique of the show's chaotic storytelling and bizarre booking decisions. The central focus is on the Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes feud, which the host finds undermined by the sudden introduction of Pat McAfee as a mysterious 'voice in Orton’s head'—a move deemed nonsensical, poorly foreshadowed, and disconnected from any prior narrative. The host expresses frustration over WWE’s reliance on internet jargon, arbitrary business metrics, and random character insertions that disrupt emotional stakes. Despite this, several segments are praised for their entertainment value, particularly the SmackDown Tag Team Championship match between R-Truth and Damien Priest versus The Miz and Kit Wilson, which the host calls a 'golden up' for its brilliant comedic timing and commitment to absurdity. Other highlights include strong performances from Sami Zayn and Kamala Hayes, and a fun, chaotic tag team match that revitalizes the show’s spirit. The episode ends with a mix of admiration for the show’s boldness and disappointment in its narrative coherence, encapsulating the tension between entertainment and storytelling in modern WWE.