Pat McAfee’s recent involvement in the storyline between Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes heading into WrestleMania 42 was not originally planned by WWE’s creative team. New reports indicate that the move came from higher up within TKO Group Holdings.
McAfee appeared as Orton’s mystery ally during the April 3 episode of SmackDown. His role in the segment surprised many within WWE, especially given how central he became to the ongoing storyline. According to PWInsider, there is a growing belief backstage that the decision was made by TKO leadership rather than the writers behind WWE programming.
A separate report from BodySlam.net suggests that the call may have come directly from Ari Emanuel and other executives within TKO. This would mean the involvement of McAfee was driven by corporate strategy instead of creative direction led by Triple H.
The reasoning behind this move is tied to WWE’s expanding media plans. WWE has an agreement in place with ESPN for WrestleMania 42. As part of that deal, the first hour of each night will air on traditional television platforms. McAfee, who has strong ties to mainstream sports media, is seen as a key figure to connect wrestling with a wider audience.
TKO reportedly believes that adding recognizable names like McAfee can help boost interest in major matches. His involvement in the Orton vs. Rhodes program is viewed as a way to raise its profile ahead of the event. The company sees crossover appeal as an important factor in driving viewership and ticket sales.
BodySlam also noted that McAfee’s recent public comments, where he suggested he had moved on from wrestling, were part of the storyline. Internally, his return had already been planned. After his SmackDown appearance, McAfee added more attention to the angle by stating he would walk away from wrestling television if Orton does not defeat Rhodes.
Rhodes is set to defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Orton in the Night 1 main event of WrestleMania 42 on April 18 at Allegiant Stadium.
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