As fans eagerly awaited the reveal of the mystery caller who had been in contact with Randy Orton in recent weeks, the payoff proved underwhelming for many, with Pat McAfee ultimately unveiled as the Apex Predator’s secret ally. The reaction was swift and largely negative, with the video racking up over 60,000 dislikes on WWE’s YouTube channel. While fans were left questioning the creative decision, the real reason behind McAfee’s involvement in the Cody Rhodes vs. Orton storyline could come as a surprise to many.
Pat McAfee Was Linked To The Rivalry To Elevate ESPN Promotion
Given Pat McAfee’s current podcast show, ‘The Pat McAfee Show’ on the ESPN network, the TKO board decided to include the former NFL pundit in the ongoing feud between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, as they thought it might make the rivalry even more popular and grand.
According to Fightful Select, McAfee’s return was an effort to boost the interest in the show and to promote the relations between ESPN and WWE.
A source from PWInsider Elite also revealed, “The idea seems to be that including McAfee in the scenario gives ESPN a new promotional dimension for WrestleMania, given McAfee’s importance and popularity on their platform.”
Related: Pat McAfee Issues Disappointing Update On Possible WWE Comeback
It appears that TKO is focused on pushing its product further into the mainstream, aiming to attract a wider audience and drive ticket sales as WWE heads back to Las Vegas for WrestleMania 42.
In an apparent bid to generate buzz, the company may have inadvertently revealed a major championship storyline ahead of the event, though the move has drawn a lukewarm response online so far.
Fans Not Happy With Pat McAfee’s Involvement In The Cody Rhodes- Randy Orton Rivalry
Ever since Pat McAfee’s return video was dropped on social media platforms, fans have flooded the comments section showing their disappointment with the product. Many have called out TKO for always letting greed win over some high-octane rivalries, which further ruins top-tier feuds going into WrestleMania 42.
An identical storyline was also seen with John Cena’s heel turn last year, which involved Travis Scott in the main event of his WrestleMania 41 match against Rhodes. With high ticket prices and involvement of such celebrities who have no part in any rivalry, fans are starting to dislike the product and are voicing their opinions all over social media.
In Case You Missed: WrestleMania 42 Surprise? Cody Rhodes Teases Major Hollywood Move
As for the Rhodes-Orton storyline, everyone expected to see someone having some history with the duo, as the phone calls that happened in the past few weeks hinted towards a return of someone huge. With McAfee being the unknown caller, it seems that the company might have wasted a huge plot, which could have made WrestleMania 42 worth watching.
