On this week's SmackDown, WWE fans were treated to one of the most disappointing performances in decades. After weeks of hype about a mystery man who was pushing WWE Undisputed Title contender Randy Orton to dark places so he could win the belt at WrestleMania 42, fans of the company were disappointed to learn that that man was... Pat McAfee.
Leading up to the expected revelations, industry veterans who had unique relationships with Orton or his WrestleMania opponent, Cody Rhodes, were named in speculation about the mystery caller. Greats like Ric Flair, The Rock, "Cowboy" Bob Orton and even Shane McMahon. Instead, WWE fans got McAfee. Sometimes analyst and wrestler, who is more known for his podcast and NFL career.
The revelations led to confusion inside the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri, and online scorn. Which includes thousands more dislikes than likes on YouTube for videos at this time. What made this surprise even more strange is the reason for all this.
The popular podcaster complained about the weak product and lack of violent, adult, gritty elements of the Attitude Era and said the company needed to move on from the 46-year-old Orton because Rhodes is a poor leader, and why the product is not what it should be.
Over the past year there has been some criticism from fans regarding Rhodes, his character, and his specific role. There is a degree of truth in what McAfee said on SmackDown. However, his return highlights a much bigger problem. This is WWE and their parent company TKO's celebrity worship on the Road to WrestleMania.
IWC case against Pat McAfee and Cody Rhodes
In 2024, there was no hotter performer in the industry than Cody Rhodes. His journey to finish the story at WrestleMania 40 took the business by storm and made the event a historic success. He filled the void left by John Cena, but not without the divisive reactions from fans.
However, "The American Nightmare" has lost popularity with some fans over the past year. They're tired of being the mainstays in the WWE Title picture, as well as their long reigns. Furthermore, he often lacks the edge that made him a superstar in 2023 and 2024 as he looks like this generation's version of Cena. But is it really all on Rhodes?
He's the QB1, especially as fellow top star Roman Reigns has a part-time schedule. In the end, WWE is still a business, and he's putting butts in seats. Despite disappointingly high ticket prices, the company is still doing well with their faces. Certainly, he has the right to have his say in his story, but the blame for the opposition put forward to the WWE Champion should be placed squarely on the head of creative Paul "Triple H" Levesque and his team. A good face needs a lot of great heels.
Rhodes chose not to face Drew McIntyre several times over the past few months. Nor did they have any say on the rest of the show or other frustrations with the product, as McAfee noted in his statement. Like the QB1 of an NFL team, he has taken the blame for concerns over which he has no control. Yet, instead of improving the product, WWE is pushing a different strategy that has gotten out of control.
Why is WWE's celebrity worship getting out of control?
Celebrity appearances in WWE are nothing new. That crossover of stars from other industries has often been very helpful to the brand. Like Cyndi Lauper in the 1980s, Mike Tyson in the late 1990s, and Bad Bunny in recent years. Those names draw extra attention to the product and possibly new fans.
However, the company is starting to move much further towards that instead of focusing on making its content as strong as it was a few years ago. And this overindulgence may be something imposed on the decision makers by their bosses at TKO.
According to a new report, McAfee's unexpected return to join the Orton and Rhodes storyline was pushed forward by TKO. Many believe that CEO Ari Emanuel is a big fan of McAfee and is trying to turn him into a movie star.
It was speculated in the past that TKO may also have been a driving force in The Rock making a random return at last year's Elimination Chamber, but never returned to finish his role in John Cena's heel turn. Similarly, hip-hop superstar Travis Scott was in that story, but turned into an unbelievable celebrity flake who made just one more appearance and then disappeared.
Recent WWE Celebrity Appearances: Jelly Roll, Lil Yachty, Cardi B, iShowspeed, Sexy Redd, Pat McAfee
Still, there are other examples of overuse by celebrities that have nothing to do with TKO. GRAMMY winner Jelly Roll appeared in five disturbing segments on SmackDown last week. Including winning over Kit Wilson in a singles match and hitting him with an RKO at the end of the broadcast.
Rapper Lil Yachty served as the guest sidekick to rising star Trick Williams on this week's SmackDown. IShowSpeed was on WWE Raw this week, accidentally helped The Vision win the tag titles, and is expected to be in a six-man tag match at WrestleMania this month.
There are also rumors that NFL legend Tom Brady could also appear at WrestleMania this year to continue a bizarre rivalry with Logan Paul. Rapper Sexy Redd will make another appearance for NXT this weekend, and Cardi B hosted SummerSlam in August. Furthermore, due to his fame outside WWE, McAfee is back again.
WWE's over-reliance on celebrity appearances is getting out of control. And in a wonderful irony, McAfee has shed further light on – although it was not his goal – how this has become a much bigger problem than Rhodes's. At a time when WWE has its largest roster ever, wasting TV time and valuable spots in major storylines on celebs instead of current or veteran talent is not Rhodes' fault and is a symptom of a larger problem.
