REVEALED: Who Was Behind Pat McAfee's Heel Turn & Inclusion In WrestleMania Main Event Storyline

After weeks of speculation, it was revealed on SmackDown that the mystery man on the phone with Randy Orton and offering “voices in his head” was none other than… Pat McAfee. The former NFL star turned WWE commentator and podcaster showed up unannounced, turning heel by striking Cody Rhodes in the sensitive area before cutting a promo on his goals to save the professional wrestling business at the side of Orton. The segment was on the receiving end of widespread criticism online, prompting reports on who was behind this decision. 

Both PWInsider and BodySlam+ have revealed that the decision to turn Pat McAfee heel and include in the main event WWE Championship program was one that came straight from the mouth of TKO’s Ari Emanuel, who just so happens to be the Hollywood agent of McAfee. This edict is believed to have come from up above and approved by Triple H, leading to it unfolding on WWE TV.

The belief is that those in TKO are of the opinion that McAfee’s crossover potential will help boost WrestleMania interest in the lead up the show, particularly due to his ties with ESPN, ultimately boosting ticket sales. Cody Rhodes would come out later on the show and ridicule the reveal, comparing it to if the nWo’s third man was Disco Inferno. McAfee's return contradicts his recent comments remarking that he was "done" with WWE for the time being.