The road to WrestleMania 42 took a dramatic turn on the April 3, 2026 episode of WWE SmackDown. A major reveal connected Pat McAfee to Randy Orton’s shocking heel turn, and the fallout has continued to draw attention.
During the segment, McAfee was revealed as the mystery voice behind the phone call that influenced Orton. Moments later, McAfee attacked Cody Rhodes with a sudden low blow. Orton followed with a brutal assault on the WWE Champion, leaving him laid out in the ring. The show closed with Orton and McAfee standing together, signaling a new alliance heading into WrestleMania.
Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, McAfee addressed the segment and made it clear that his promo was not scripted. He said his words came naturally and were based on the story being told on television.
“You don’t think there’s multiple layers to this sh*t?” McAfee said.
He explained that the storyline is built on long-term history, especially between Orton and Rhodes. McAfee pointed to the depth of their rivalry and suggested that more developments are coming as WrestleMania approaches.
McAfee also spoke highly of Orton and described him as a top-level WWE star. He said their goal is to elevate the story and bring more attention to the business.
“I think we got off to a pretty good little start. I think we got off to 20 years of history between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton. And Randy Orton is the greatest. This guy’s 6’5” 275 AJ. He walks in a room, everybody goes, ‘Holy shit.’ That’s what a WWE superstar is. That’s what a sports entertainer is….So I’m happy that I got a chance to be… in the ear a couple times saying, ‘Hey, now’s the time, killer. Now we go save the business,” he said.
McAfee ended by stressing again that nothing was written for him in advance.
“Was I the only one, you know, that I was thinking about this? Was there ever a script? I wonder. No. This is real, cuz bang bang. Fun times,” McAfee added.
Despite the strong reaction on television, McAfee’s involvement has sparked debate behind the scenes. Some fans have pushed back on his role in the storyline. Reports indicate that his inclusion may have been supported by key figures within TKO leadership.
Pat McAfee Says WWE SmackDown Promo With Randy Orton Was Not Scripted
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