Pat McAfee’s return has ignited major backstage controversy – Reports

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“Pat McAfee was the first choice and it was from Ari Emanuel. This was not a WWE creative move. It was not a Paul Levesque move. It came over their heads. There were a lot of people that were not happy about it at all. One person told me it was the single most counterproductive thing in a long time that the company has done,” said Meltzer. [H/T: Wrestling Observer on X]

McAfee hit Rhodes with a low blow on SmackDown and claimed that Orton would be saving the business from The American Nightmare by taking the title away from him at WrestleMania.

Pat McAfee makes an interesting claim ahead of WWE WrestleMania 42

Pat McAfee made an interesting claim ahead of WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas later this month.

Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, he suggested that the promotion had some surprises planned for the biggest show of the year. McAfee also suggested that fans come to Las Vegas and see the show in a couple of weeks.

“Somehow, tickets are still available for WrestleMania. Just know we got some things cooking and you’re gonna want to be in Las Vegas,” he said.

The 38-year-old has not competed in a match since Gunther defeated him at Backlash 2025. The Ring General was absent for several weeks before his return last Monday night on RAW. Gunther attacked Seth Rollins, and it was later announced that the two stars would be squaring off at WrestleMania. It will be interesting to see if McAfee gets involved in the Undisputed WWE Championship match at WrestleMania.