Backstage frustration regarding Pat McAfee's inclusion in Cody Rhodes vs Randy at WWE WrestleMania 42?
(Courtesy : WWE)
Pat McAfee was revealed as the mystery caller.
Pat McAfee was revealed as the mystery caller talking to ‘The Viper’ Randy Orton on the April 3, 2026, edition of WWE SmackDown, which emanated from the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri.
Shortly after the reveal, reports made it clear that the decision of McAfee’s inclusion came from TKO leadership. The directive was then approved by Triple H rather than originating from the WWE creative team.
However, the reveal left WWE fans disappointed as they were hooked to the angle and were hoping for a big payoff. What followed was severe backlash online; now, a new report has revealed similar frustrations among talent backstage.
There is sympathy towards Cody Rhodes
According to a new report from PWInsider Elite’s Mike Johnson, several WWE talents have expressed frustration over the past week regarding Pat McAfee’s sudden involvement in the feud between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton.
Many feel his inclusion doesn’t align with the storyline and is unnecessary, especially given the depth of history between Rhodes and Orton, which they believe was strong enough to carry the program on its own.
The report also noted that Cody Rhodes did not attempt to “sell” the creative shift to others backstage, though there is said to be sympathy toward the Undisputed WWE Champion, as he now has to shoulder additional responsibility due to a corporate decision heading into WrestleMania 42.
Johnson also added that McAfee’s unscripted promo did little to improve his perception among some in the locker room.
Cody Rhodes vs Randy Orton will headline Night 1 of WrestleMania
Rhodes will defend the Undisputed title in the main event of Night 1 of WrestleMania on April 18. The PLE will take place as a two-night spectacle on April 18 and 19, 2026, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Night 1 of the PLE will also feature the Women’s World title match between Stephanie Vaquer and Liv Morgan, along with the Women’s IC title clash, Women’s Tag Team titles multi-team contest, and the singles match between Gunther and Seth Rollins, among others.
On the other hand, CM Punk vs Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight title will headline Night 2 of the show, while Finn Balor (Demon) vs Finn Balor will serve as the co-main event.
Also Read: Night 1 & Night 2 lineups confirmed for WWE WrestleMania 42
When and where will WrestleMania 42 take place?
The 42nd edition of WrestleMania will take place as a two-night event on April 18 and 19 at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada.
Will Cody Rhodes vs Randy Orton headline the show?
Yes, Rhodes will defend the Undisputed title in the main event of Night 1 of WrestleMania.
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Abhijit Singh is a budding sports journalist with over three years of experience in the field, and a photographer capturing stories through his lens since 2018. With a background in philosophy and political science, he brings a thoughtful, analytical edge to his reporting where every word is guided by curiosity and intent. Whether he's capturing the emotion of a moment or unpacking the deeper narratives within the game, Abhijit’s work is rooted in insight and passion. When he’s not covering sports, he’s often exploring new ideas through reading, traveling or just procrastinating.