The mystery surrounding Randy Orton’s phone calls is over — and the answer is Pat McAfee. The former NFL punter and WWE commentator revealed himself as the person behind Orton’s recent heel turn on the April 3 SmackDown, immediately attacking Cody Rhodes and delivering a passionate statement about why he believes Orton is the right man to carry the Undisputed WWE Championship.
McAfee made his motivations clear, declaring that the wrestling business is in trouble because Cody Rhodes is leading it — and that Orton will fix that by defeating Rhodes at WrestleMania 42. He also raised the stakes personally, taking to social media with a bold public wager. “I will make a deal with the IWC now — if Randy Orton doesn’t win at Mania, I will NEVER be seen OR HEARD on wrestling television AGAIN.”
Pat McAfee as Randy Orton’s Mystery Caller Follows Reports That WWE’s Original Choice Fell Through
The reveal lands after weeks of speculation that included Vince McMahon and The Rock being floated and subsequently dismissed as possibilities. Reports from Bryan Alvarez had previously indicated that WWE‘s original planned choice for the role fell through before the company pivoted to McAfee. Dave Meltzer confirmed those in WWE’s inner circle were aware of the identity before the reveal, though speculation about The Rock persisted right up until the SmackDown broadcast. McAfee’s involvement now positions him as one of the central figures in the WrestleMania 42 championship storyline heading into Las Vegas.
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