WWE 'Reworks' Plans After Backlash To Pat McAfee Reveal

WWE have changed whatever they originally had planned for the WrestleMania 42 programme over the Undisputed WWE Championship which saw Pat McAfee be revealed as Randy Orton's mystery caller on the April 3 episode of SmackDown.

WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select has reported that WWE have "reworked" some of the plans for tonight's episode of SmackDown following the reaction to the McAfee reveal angle. WWE also discussed having additional outside involvement in the feud between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, speculated to be Jelly Roll, but WWE have reportedly went back to the drawing board to discuss any and all possibilities for the storyline.

One sign of plans having already shifted, according to WrestleVotes, was CM Punk's pipe bomb promo on the April 6 episode of Monday Night Raw as Punk's comments about McAfee were not a part of the plan as of last week's SmackDown.

How exactly WWE have reworked the plans following Pat McAfee's unveiling is unknown, but the former NFL punter noted on social media that he has a "MASSIVE SURPRISE" to announce on the April 10 edition of SmackDown.

Reports have noted there was considerable frustration over the Pat McAfee reveal amongst WWE talents, with it being noted there were wrestlers who simply threw their hands up following McAfee's insertion into the Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton feud due to it not making storyline sense and the belief that the programme didn't need an extra element because of the history between Cody and Orton.

McAfee's insertion into the WrestleMania 42 Saturday main event was reportedly an Ari Emanuel decision to try and boost WrestleMania ticket sales and increase synergy between WWE and ESPN.