The road to WrestleMania 42 featured one of the most controversial moments in recent years on WWE SmackDown when Pat McAfee emerged as Randy Orton’s mystery caller. Things just got more interesting, as the NFL star hinted that a script did not dictate the promo.
On the April 3, 2026 episode of SmackDown, the WWE universe finally found out that McAfee was the voice behind the call that caused Orton’s heel turn. During the segment, McAfee hit Rhodes with a low blow out of nowhere. Orton then continued to attack Rhodes, leaving the WWE Champion laid out. The segment ended with Orton and McAfee standing tall.
Pat McAfee says there was ‘no script’ for WWE SmackDown segment
Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, McAfee revealed his promo was not scripted. He claimed it was completely natural and based on the story itself.
He teased that the storyline has “multiple layers” and said things are getting more intense as the Show of Shows gets closer. “You don’t think there’s multiple layers to this sh*t?” McAfee said.
Pat McAfee also praised the Viper and said they are trying to “save the business.” Most importantly, McAfee clearly said there was no script.
“I think we got off to a pretty good little start. I think we got off to 20 years of history between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton. And Randy Orton is the greatest. This guy’s 6’5” 275 AJ. He walks in a room, everybody goes, ‘Holy shit.’ That’s what a WWE superstar is. That’s what a sports entertainer is….So I’m happy that I got a chance to be… in the ear a couple times saying, ‘Hey, now’s the time, killer. Now we go save the business,” he said.
“Was I the only one, you know, that I was thinking about this? Was there ever a script? I wonder. No. This is real, cuz bang bang. Fun times,” McAfee added.
Behind the scenes, McAfee being part of the feud has been a controversial decision. Some fans haven’t liked it, and reports suggest the idea may have come from someone from the higher-ups of the TKO group.
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