More Details On Pat McAfee Reveal on SmackDown, Cody Rhodes Promo, WWE Backstage Reaction & More

As noted previously, last night’s episode of WWE SmackDown saw Pat McAfee revealing himself as Randy Orton’s mystery caller, leading to widespread criticism from fans and experts on social media.

PWInsider and BodySlam+ later reported that the call came from Ari Emanuel, who is believed to be “very high” on McAfee, especially in the entertainment space. It was also reported that the Cody Rhodes promo later in the show, where he was instructed to “shoot from the hip,” was unscripted and not initially listed on the rundown.

Fightful has now provided more details on the matter. According to the report, Pat McAfee has been inserted into the Randy Orton-Cody Rhodes feud in an effort to boost ticket sales and boost “corporate synergy” between WWE and ESPN. The report notes that a number of people weren’t in favor of the angle, as they believed that such things would never work in pro wrestling.

As far as Cody Rhodes’ promo is concerned, Fightful backed Bodyslam+’s report that it was not listed in the initial rundown sheet, but it didn’t confirm if it was unscripted. The internal reaction to the revelation, according to Fightful, has been mixed, with some believing that it isn’t the kind of “heat” that the company needed.

The report further adds that WWE sources told WrestleVotes in recent months that Pat McAfee would soon be factored into creative plans. Following the revelation last night, Fightful reports that it is being told that McAfee would be featured on weekly programming leading up to WrestleMania 42.