NEWS - Cody Rhodes Takes Shots At Pat McAfee!
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The WhatCulture Wrestling podcast dives into the growing controversy surrounding Pat McAfee's unexpected involvement in the WrestleMania main event between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton. Hosts Phil Chagels and the co-host express strong frustration over WWE's decision to insert McAfee—a former NFL player and comedian—into the emotionally rich, decades-long rivalry between Cody and Orton, which they argue undermines a deeply layered storyline. They criticize the narrative choice as lazy and damaging to the build, especially given the history of Legacy, Cody’s mentorship under Orton, and the potential for powerful storytelling beats that were ignored. The hosts also take aim at WWE’s ticket pricing strategy, suggesting that raising prices and offering last-minute discounts is a desperate, counterproductive move that alienates fans. Despite the backlash, they remain excited for WrestleMania itself, highlighting the free ESPN-aired matches, potential star returns like Paige, and upcoming live events in Las Vegas. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to join the live watch-alongs and share their thoughts.
The Pat McAfee addition to the main event undermines a rich, decades-old Cody vs. Orton rivalry with no narrative justification.
WWE’s ticket pricing strategy and last-minute discounts are seen as desperate and alienating to fans.
The real story potential of Cody and Orton’s history—mentorship, Legacy, and personal legacy—was ignored in favor of celebrity spectacle.
Paige’s potential return to WWE is framed as a healing, cathartic moment for her and the locker room, especially with AJ Lee’s support.
Ridge Holland has been cleared to return after neck surgery and is now a free agent, opening possibilities for a comeback in WWE or elsewhere.
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Introductory ad for Denkvorout.nl, a Dutch business planning tool, followed by a promotion for Exact software, which offers insights into planning, projects, and personnel.
Cody Rhodes Criticizes Pat McAfee’s WrestleMania Involvement
“He's just trying to save wrestling. No. That's it.”
The Lost Storytelling Potential of Cody vs. Orton
“It's just dumb. It's like he's just said that he's run through so many points that would be really, really great story beats to hit on in this Randy Orton vs Cody Rhodes feud.”
Ticket Pricing and the Business of WrestleMania
“The solution to all of this was not, maybe if you had Pat McAfee we were going to sell 20,000 more tickets. It was make the tickets cheaper!”
Future of WWE: Paige Return & Ridge Holland’s Comeback
The hosts discuss the possibility of Paige’s return to WWE, citing AJ Lee’s support and the emotional resonance of a full-circle moment. They also cover Ridge Holland’s medical clearance and release, expressing hope for his future in wrestling.
“The solution to all of this was not, maybe if you had Pat McAfee we were going to sell 20,000 more tickets. It was make the tickets cheaper!”
“It's just dumb. It's like he's just said that he's run through so many points that would be really, really great story beats to hit on in this Randy Orton vs Cody Rhodes feud.”
“He's just trying to save wrestling. No. That's it.”
Hosts
Cody Rhodes
person
Randy Orton
person
WWE
organization
Pat McAfee
person
Paige
person
AJ Lee
person
Ridge Holland
person
TKO
organization
iShowSpeed
person
Brock Lesnar
person
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