Randy Orton’s mystery caller on the April 3 SmackDown was revealed to be Pat McAfee. The surprise did not land well with many fans and has raised questions about WWE’s plans for WrestleMania 42.
Mystery Caller Revealed
On the April 3 SmackDown in St. Louis, Randy Orton answered a phone angle that had been teased for weeks. The caller was Pat McAfee. McAfee delivered a short promo promising to “bring back the Attitude Era” and criticizing the current state of WWE. The segment set up Orton’s WWE Championship match with Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 42.
Fan Reaction and Cody Rhodes’ Response
The reveal got a strong reaction on social media. Many fans called the segment a disappointment. They expected a more logical or high-profile wrestling figure. Instead they saw McAfee, a former NFL player and current TV personality, stepping into a key role in Orton’s build to WrestleMania.
Cody Rhodes later cut an unplanned promo that mocked the McAfee reveal. Reports say Rhodes’ segment was added after the crowd reaction. In that promo, Rhodes compared McAfee to Disco Inferno, a reference meant to show fans that the twist did not make sense in the ongoing story between Rhodes and Orton.
Backstage Decision and TKO’s Role
Reports from UFCcoverage say the decision to bring McAfee in was a last-minute call from higher up at TKO. The theory is that TKO wanted a mainstream name with daily TV exposure to boost interest in WrestleMania. McAfee works in sports TV and has a wide audience, which may have driven the choice.
Critics argue this shows a focus on celebrity moments over long-term storytelling. Some fans point out that WWE under Triple H had recently shifted toward strong wrestling stories and that the Orton–Rhodes feud already had clear history to build on. The late change to add McAfee has been seen by some as a panic move to sell more tickets and viewers.
What This Means for WrestleMania 42
With McAfee now tied to Orton, many expect interference at WrestleMania. There is speculation McAfee will appear at the end of the Cody Rhodes vs Randy Orton match. Some reports also mention possible involvement from musician Jelly Roll, though that remains speculation.
Critics worry the WrestleMania main event could become overbooked, with outside help and surprise turns overshadowing the match itself. Supporters say a well-timed appearance by McAfee could add drama. For now, the choice to use Pat McAfee as the mystery caller has left fans and insiders debating whether WWE chose attention over story logic.
