For weeks, Randy Orton had been speaking to someone on his phone. This mystery person was his voice of reason, counselling the 14-time World Champion. In many ways, the caller is responsible for Orton’s heel turn and vicious assaults on Cody Rhodes and Matt Cardona.
Finally, after weeks of guesswork, WWE revealed the caller’s identity, much to the chagrin of many fans. Pat McAfee, former punter and popular commentator, was whispering in Orton’s head. McAfee believes that Rhodes represents everything that is currently wrong with WWE, and Orton is his solution.
However, the reveal felt flat. Many fans are unwhelmed by WWE’s decision to insert McAfee into the feud between Rhodes and Orton. In their defense, they may be right. Here, we look at a few reasons why Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes doesn’t need McAfee.
Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes is Big Enough on its Own
Much like Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena last year, a marquee feud like Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes will sell itself. Celebrity involvement is completely unnecessary. Orton and Rhodes go way back as friends and enemies.
Rhodes became relevant in WWE as a member of Legacy, a faction that helped Randy Orton get to the top. The Viper was Rhodes’ mentor. Legacy eventually split, and Orton faced Rhodes and Ted DiBiase, Jr., the third member of the faction, at WrestleMania 26. When the American Nightmare returned at Mania 38, his onscreen friendship with Orton was renewed.
There is so much history between these two men that the feud would sell itself without external involvement. Orton’s betrayal added another twist to the tale, but McAfee’s inclusion doesn’t bring much to the table.
This Could Be a Repeat of the Cody Rhodes-John Cena Saga
When Pat McAfee turned heel and went low on Cody Rhodes, fans let out a collective groan as they had seen something similar in 2025. Travis Scott was a key element in John Cena’s heel turn and was portrayed as the difference maker in the main event of WrestleMania 41.
Scott’s involvement was universally panned. Furthermore, there was no payoff to the angle as the pop star’s arrangement with WWE fell apart. Eventually, Cena turned face again and ran it back with Rhodes at SummerSlam. Although it is too early to say for certain, WWE could be putting itself in a similar position by including McAfee.
While McAfee has more exposure in the WWE ring, he is still too green for a marquee feud like Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton. Fans have waited years for this rivalry, and they would be disappointed if McAfee received undue attention.
We are still in shock from this 😳@RandyOrton | @PatMcAfeeShow pic.twitter.com/cxnr4x7Kc4
— WWE (@WWE) April 5, 2026
Rhodes vs. Orton is About Something Deeper than McAfee’s Motivations
Pat McAfee’s motivations for turning on Cody Rhodes were vague, but the commentator believes that Rhodes is holding WWE back. He wants Randy Orton to take the company back to its golden era. However, the rivalry between Rhodes and Orton represents something deeper and more intriguing.
There is genuine emotion involved here. Rhodes looked up to Orton for years. When the American Nightmare finished his story at WrestleMania 40, fans could feel Orton’s pride and happiness. Now, the Viper is listening to the dark voices inside his head and has burned all past bridges. This cocktail of emotions is more important than McAfee’s desire for a better version of the company.
Furthermore, Orton vs. Rhodes represents a clash of legacies and generations, too. Both men represent different families with different values. In one of his promos, Orton rightfully claimed that wrestling did indeed have more than one royal family. Thus, the 14-time World Champion might have a hidden, undeclared incentive to restore prestige to the Orton name.
By adding McAfee into the mix, WWE risks downplaying these elements. Furthermore, the commentator, with his energetic and boisterous aura, might not be able to represent such dynamics.
