Cody Rhodes SmackDown blackout interruption occurred during a pivotal segment before the King of the Ring Tournament final, leaving viewers in the United States without live coverage. On the latest Friday Night SmackDown, the broadcast halted for thirty minutes in the opening moments of Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton’s highly anticipated promo, just days ahead of Night of Champions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
While the television audience was left speculating about the situation, the action continued in the arena. Cody Rhodes, determined to maintain the energy, questioned a crew member about the status of the broadcast, only to learn that the outage persisted. Turning his focus to the fans present in Saudi Arabia, he tried to uplift the crowd’s spirits by asking who would make the most noise at SmackDown and the upcoming Night of Champions.
Carmelo Hayes Interrupts Amid Confusion
As Cody interacted with the fans, a surprise occurred when he was interrupted by Carmelo Hayes, a four-time NXT champion. The unexpected appearance of Hayes stunned those in attendance, breaking the rhythm of Rhodes’ attempt to salvage the segment.
I wanted to come out here and ask you something I should have asked you a minute ago, so I’m asking now. It’s working? [to the staff] I don’t know. Not working? Here’s a question for tonight and for tomorrow night, who’s going to be the loudest fan in here? [Interrupted by Carmelo Hayes’ entrance music]”
The moment underscored the confusion backstage and in the ring. WWE personnel promptly informed both Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton about the technical situation as it unfolded, indicating that their segment would likely be rescheduled for later in the broadcast, once normal operations resumed.
WWE informed Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton about the technical difficulties while Cody was cutting his promo.It seems like the Randy/Cody segment will happen later in the show.#SmackDownpic.twitter.com/pwKMTHkABu— EliteRockerz 𝕏 (@EliteClubS0B) June 27, 2025
During the brief exchange, fans in the arena reported that Rhodes and Hayes traded a few words before Rhodes delivered his signature Cross Rhodes maneuver to Hayes, himself a decorated former NXT and NXT North American Champion.
Explanation Behind the SmackDown Broadcast Failure
When the WWE SmackDown broadcast resumed, commentator Michael Cole addressed the incident, explaining to viewers that technical issues were to blame for the unexpected break and extending apologies to those watching at home. WWE echoed this message through its online channels, aiming to clarify the confusion and reassure fans.
Reports from PWInsider later revealed the root cause to be a power outage in Riyadh. This sudden loss of electricity disrupted the entire production workflow, including critical areas such as the control room and the gorilla position, leaving WWE’s U.S. viewership temporarily disconnected from the live event.
Implications of the SmackDown Blackout and Hayes’ Interruption
The Cody Rhodes SmackDown blackout interruption highlights the unpredictability of live sports entertainment, especially in international venues where technical challenges may arise. Despite the tense circumstances, Rhodes maintained engagement with the audience, and Carmelo Hayes’ interruption added an unexpected twist to the already disrupted show. For WWE, ensuring broadcast continuity remains essential for global events, especially with major storylines leading into tournaments like the King of the Ring and shows such as Night of Champions. As the brand recovers from the blackout, fans now anticipate the rescheduled Rhodes and Orton segment and the evolving rivalry ignited by Hayes’ bold move in Saudi Arabia.
