WWE Champion Cody Rhodes had a memorable night by cutting a “shoot promo” designed to feel like he was breaking the script. Broadcaster Pat McAfee received a huge push by joining Randy Orton in the storyline against Rhodes heading into WrestleMania 42. However, the show ended with Cody returning to attack Orton and cutting a wild promo calling out management. WWE’s TKO ownership was also criticized by Rhodes.
Bodyslam reported the following note about the backstage reasoning for this promo:
“Sources indicate to BodySlam that Rhodes was told from members of the creative team to go to the ring and shoot from the hip regarding Pat McAfee and TKO. Rhodes and other members of the creative team have legitimate gripes with TKO for sticking their nose in storylines close to WrestleMania multiple years in a row.”
WWE decided to reference real-life unhappiness over the TKO and WWE partnership for one of the biggest feuds of the year. Rhodes was told to “shoot” and share the frustration that many feel about TKO placing McAfee in the top program. The overall night felt confusing, between the lackluster reveal of McAfee and Cody’s odd promo calling out the ownership group.
Why WWE Wanted Cody To Call Out TKO
The belief that TKO is harming the WrestleMania build plays into WWE using reality to craft their storytelling. McAfee referenced real things, like WrestleMania’s ticket sales going down, when he cut his controversial promo. However, Cody made it even more personal by calling out TKO as a whole.
Last year featured TKO having Travis Scott become a major part of the John Cena vs Rhodes storyline that ultimately hurt WrestleMania 41’s main event. TKO’s owner Ari Emanuel is reportedly the reason behind McAfee getting slotted into a major storyline. Recent quotes featured Emanuel revealing he wants to make McAfee a major celebrity akin to prime Sylvester Stallone.
Cody reportedly referenced the real frustration that WWE feels about TKO “sticking their nose in” storylines and creative decisions. WWE has never had this level of outside control from ownership since Vince McMahon owned and made creative decisions for decades before the sale.
How Does This Impact WrestleMania 42
Orton and Rhodes will likely have the coveted main event spot for the first night of WrestleMania 42. Roman Reigns vs CM Punk is expected to main event the second night to close out the weekend as the bigger main event of the two.
However, fans still have high expectations for Cody and Orton to have a strong outing in a main event situation. WWE could opt for Rhodes to retain the title and continue his successful face as the top babyface in the entire promotion.
Orton winning would likely play into TKO’s desire for McAfee to become a bigger star. WWE pairing McAfee with Orton felt ridiculous out of the blue, but it is clearly done to push McAfee as a bigger star. Orton winning the title and moving forward with McAfee as his right hand man would confirm that TKO has more influence creatively moving forward.
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