During this week’s episode of WWE SmackDown, Pat McAfee stepped into the world with the intention of promoting reduced ticket prices for WrestleMania 42 (Night One), however the message quickly took a turn. The previous NFL punter couldn’t resist taking shots on the San Jose crowd, mocking the fans for continuing to support Cody Rhodes and better ticket prices.
That drew out The American Nightmare, who cut off McAfee’s rant and met him face-to-face within the ring. The stress escalated immediately, with each men trading words in a segment that hinted at something much greater brewing behind the scenes.
Rhodes fired back by calling out McAfee as an outsider attempting to fit into the wrestling world by parroting trendy “neo-wrestling” talking points. The Undisputed WWE Champion dismantled McAfee’s claim of “saving the business,” stating that the version of the industry McAfee longs for was already fading when Randy Orton began his WWE profession.
Rhodes didn’t stop there. He took things up a notch by telling McAfee to grab a duplicate title and head back to his “daddy” — a transparent jab following McAfee’s earlier shot at Triple H. The implication strongly suggested that McAfee’s backing comes from a better up within the chain, potentially referencing TKO executives.
With that in mind, speculation immediately shifted toward Ari Emanuel, the CEO of TKO, because the mysterious figure protecting McAfee. If true, what unfolded on SmackDown could also be greater than just a private feud — it could signal a bigger power struggle that stretches well beyond WrestleMania 42.
NOTE: If you may have any news suggestions or podcast recaps that you just’d wish to send in for us to post (full credit can be given to you), please email me at [email protected].