3 WWE storylines ruined by TKO

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“So, I will kind of walk you through that. First of all, it (TKO) has complete control. So, we are responsible. You didn’t hear about this stuff in the old days with WWE when Vince McMahon owned it because it was a private company for so many years,” he said.

TKO’s influence hasn’t always been positive for the Stamford-based promotion. The company’s creative team works tirelessly to create coherent storylines all year round; if external influence changes plans at the last minute, it is likely to hurt the product.

In recent years, fans have criticized WWE’s booking for being illogical and questionable. However, it wasn’t always the Triple H-led creative team’s fault. TKO often made changes to plans, creating unfavorable situations for the product.

In this listicle, we will look at three WWE storylines ruined by TKO.

#3. The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton…and Pat McAfee

The latest, and perhaps the most controversial entry on the list came before WrestleMania 42. Randy Orton was set to face Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at The Show of Shows. The Viper shockingly turned heel and brutally attacked The American Nightmare during their contract signing.

The storyline was simple. Orton and Rhodes’ relationship had many layers to make their rivalry exciting. A veteran, willing to do whatever it takes, chasing his 15th world title against his former mentee; the storyline had all the ingredients to be legendary.

However, for some reason, Pat McAfee got involved in the feud, aligning with Randy Orton. The Viper had been talking to a mystery ally on the phone for several weeks after his heel turn, and fans were excited to find out who it was. After building a lot of anticipation, McAfee was revealed as Orton’s ally, leaving fans scratching their heads.

This move was widely criticized, not just by fans or critics, but by WWE Superstars as well. Rhodes cut an unscripted promo, expressing his frustrations with this development. CM Punk openly called out McAfee’s involvement on RAW, despite having nothing to do with the storyline, and several other stars criticized this move in interviews as well.

The decision to include Pat McAfee came directly from Ari Emanuel, TKO’s CEO, as he believed the feud needed celebrity involvement. The excitement for Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes vanished overnight after McAfee’s involvement. The storyline that was supposed to be historic turned into a meme.

Even McAfee reportedly rejected the idea initially before eventually agreeing to it. After a controversial buildup, fans expected shenanigans to unfold at WrestleMania 42. McAfee was the center of attention in a feud between two top WWE stars, but he was taken out of the equation before the bell even rang at The Show of Shows.

In the closing moments, the NFL legend returned as a referee, but Orton turned on him and took him out. Well, that was it for McAfee’s role after weeks of claiming to “save the business.” Rhodes won, Orton attacked him post-match, and the feud will now continue.

As for Pat, he has now realized that the business didn’t need saving and has walked away from wrestling. This entire storyline sounds like someone in the back was pulling a prank on the WWE Universe and testing their patience. TKO has become a villain in fans’ eyes after ruining the Night One main event of WrestleMania 42.

#2. The Rock vs. Roman Reigns

The Rock vs. Roman Reigns remains one of the biggest dream matches for the WWE Universe. The blockbuster bout has been teased several times, but has yet to happen. The closest we got to seeing the two Samoans collide was at WrestleMania 40 before the ‘We Want Cody’ movement took over.

The Rock, who sits on the board of directors in TKO, reportedly pushed for him vs. Reigns at ‘Mania in Philadelphia. WWE also took a step in that direction by having The Great One confront the OTC on SmackDown. However, the timing of the move turned out to be disastrous.

Cody Rhodes had just won the Men’s Royal Rumble for the second year in a row and immediately pointed at Reigns, hinting at a rematch. However, The American Nightmare was pushed aside once The Rock stepped in. The Great One vs. The Head of the Table might be a dream match for many, but not at logic’s expense.

Fans rallied behind Rhodes, pushing for him to be in the main event against Reigns. This time, thankfully, the company listened to fans and pivoted. Reigns vs. Rhodes happened, and The American Nightmare finished his story in an iconic moment.

While this wasn’t completely negative since the conclusion was satisfying, external involvement almost ruined a long-term storyline and even diminished the excitement for The Rock vs. Roman Reigns.

#1. John Cena vs. Cody Rhodes

John Cena shockingly turned heel at Elimination Chamber: Toronto and aligned with The Rock. The image of the two veterans standing tall over a bloodied Cody Rhodes will be remembered forever (Travis Scott was also there, for some reason). This appeared to be, perhaps, the most exciting WrestleMania buildup in the beginning.

What would the alliance between The Rock and John Cena look like? How will Cena act as a heel? How will it all affect WrestleMania 41? The excitement was through the roof, but disappointment waited on the other side.

The Rock disappeared from WWE television following the Toronto PLE, leaving a confused heel Cena to build the rivalry with Rhodes. At ‘Mania, The Rock didn’t show up, but Travis Scott did. The rapper helped Cena win his 17th world title.

There were reportedly no long-term plans for The Rock in the storyline. His appearance at the Elimination Chamber PLE was just to help with the ticket sales. Ari Emanuel was reportedly the one who made the call to The Final Boss to appear at the event.

TKO and its obsession with celebrity involvement ruined Cena’s last WrestleMania and the majority of his retirement tour.