On last week’s episode of SmackDown, Pat McAfee was revealed as Randy Orton’s mystery ally, who had been talking to The Viper on the phone since his heel turn. The commentator turned heel and hit a low blow on Cody Rhodes before cutting a controversial promo on the current state of the WWE product.
McAfee was not a fan of the direction in which the industry has been heading, and vowed to “save the business” along with The Apex Predator at WrestleMania 42. That said, what if the NFL legend wasn’t the only controversial star Randy Orton aligned with?
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Orton and McAfee have no known history. Hence, it has confused fans as to why they aligned out of the blue. In The Viper’s storied career in WWE, he has crossed paths with several controversial names. If the creative team decides to add another member to the new alliance between Orton and McAfee, they could bring back Matt Riddle.
The King of Bros left the Stamford-based promotion in late 2023. While his on-screen character was a fun-loving, carefree individual, his real life was filled with controversies. He failed the company’s wellness policy numerous times, often ran into trouble with the law, just to name a few.
Riddle and Orton were part of the beloved tag team RK-Bro. The unlikely duo found notable success in the tag team division, winning the RAW Tag Team Championship twice. What if The Viper brings The King of Bros back to WWE?
It would be equally controversial, if not more so, than Pat McAfee‘s reveal as Orton’s mystery ally, but it would also make sense, given The Viper and Riddle’s history as friends.
Riddle could return at WrestleMania 42 and help Randy Orton dethrone Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship. If the goal was to generate major heat with Pat McAfee’s inclusion, The King of Bros’ return would accomplish it.
Moreover, it seems that there may be internal conflicts within the company due to TKO interfering in WWE’s creative process. That said, after the release of WWE: Unreal, it’s hard to tell what’s real and what’s not. It could all be a part of the storyline in the end.
If a villainous corporate stable is created with Randy Orton and Pat McAfee, Matt Riddle would be a great pick to join it. That said, this scenario is only based on speculation, and nothing has been confirmed.
Pat McAfee will be “gone from wrestling” if Randy Orton doesn’t win at WrestleMania 42
After his controversial inclusion in the Rhodes vs. Orton rivalry, Pat McAfee has taken a massive bet on The Viper. The NFL legend has announced that if The Apex Predator doesn’t win his 15th world title at WrestleMania 42, he would never be seen on WWE programming again.
After ESPN announced the official card for both nights of ‘Mania, McAfee responded to it, reaffirming his stance.
“The night that’ll live on in documentaries and wrestling folklore FOREVER. The night that @RandyOrton wins his 15th WORLD TITLE and in doing so SAVES THE BUSINESS. And if he doesn’t… I’ll be GONE from wrestling FOREVER. Come join us in LAS VEGAS for a ONCE IN A CENTURY evening.”
It remains to be seen if McAfee can help Randy Orton win his 15th world title at WrestleMania 42.
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Edited by Parth Pujara