WWE talent have been openly criticizing Pat McAfee in recent days, and a new report explains why those comments have been so direct ahead of WrestleMania 42.
According to Fightful Select, there are currently no restrictions placed on WWE performers when it comes to speaking out about McAfee, his involvement in ongoing storylines, or comments he has made in media appearances. This has led to multiple stars publicly sharing their frustration without holding back.
Damian Priest addressed the situation in an interview with Gabby LaSpisa, stating that it “sucks” and admitting it left him “p*ssed off.” Cody Rhodes also spoke about McAfee during an appearance on Matt and Shane’s Secret Podcast. Rhodes used a dismissive approach, referencing Mariah Carey’s “I don’t know him” line, while adding that people around McAfee may need to start telling him “no” more often.
McAfee’s current role in WWE became a talking point after he was revealed as Randy Orton’s mystery caller on the April 3 episode of SmackDown. His return was reportedly a decision made by TKO CEO Ari Emanuel, with the goal of boosting WrestleMania ticket sales and increasing synergy between WWE and ESPN.
The reaction to that move has not been positive across the board. Both fans and individuals within WWE have expressed concerns about the direction. Efforts to increase ticket sales have also not gone as planned. On the April 10 episode of SmackDown, McAfee promoted a 25 percent discount for WrestleMania Saturday tickets. Despite that push, more tickets were sold for WrestleMania Sunday over the same timeframe, even as McAfee told fans not to attend the second night.
McAfee is still scheduled to be part of WrestleMania 42. He will accompany Randy Orton to the ring for the Undisputed WWE Championship match against Cody Rhodes in the night one main event on April 18. As the event approaches, the situation continues to draw attention due to the ongoing criticism from within the roster.
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