WWE Teases Pat McAfee & Randy Orton's Surprise Alliance Before WrestleMania 42

The unexpected pairing of the energetic commentator and veteran wrestler adds intrigue to the big event.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 1:52am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the intense action of a WWE wrestling match, with the figures of the wrestlers broken down into overlapping planes of color and shape, conveying the dynamic energy and high stakes of the upcoming WrestleMania event.The unexpected alliance between veteran wrestler Randy Orton and energetic commentator Pat McAfee adds a new layer of intrigue to their WrestleMania match against Cody Rhodes.Las Vegas Today

In a shocking moment on the April 3 episode of SmackDown, Pat McAfee returned not as a commentator but as the new mouthpiece for Randy Orton, blending insider references and sharp jabs in a promo that caught the crowd off guard. While the alliance seemed sudden, WWE had quietly laid the groundwork in previous interviews and interactions between the two, hinting at their partnership before it was revealed.

Why it matters

The McAfee-Orton pairing not only elevates Orton's match against Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 42, but it also reshapes the feel of the entire event, adding real intrigue and potentially boosting ticket sales and subscriptions as McAfee moves from behind the desk to a central storyline role.

The details

Ahead of the Elimination Chamber event in February, Randy Orton appeared on Pat McAfee's ESPN and YouTube show, revealing a rapport between the two that hadn't been seen publicly before. McAfee spoke at length about Orton's longevity and physique, saying 'We're pulling for, for the good of the business' - a line that now feels telling in hindsight. On the April 3 SmackDown episode, McAfee returned as Orton's new mouthpiece, delivering a promo that blended insider references, real fan sentiment, and sharp, old-school manager-style jabs.

  • Orton appeared on McAfee's show ahead of the Elimination Chamber event in February.
  • On the April 3 episode of SmackDown, McAfee returned as Orton's new mouthpiece.

The players

Pat McAfee

A former NFL punter who has become a popular wrestling commentator and personality, now serving as the mouthpiece for Randy Orton.

Randy Orton

A veteran WWE wrestler who is set to face Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 42, with the unexpected addition of Pat McAfee in his corner.

Cody Rhodes

A wrestler who is set to face Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42, now with the added intrigue of Pat McAfee's involvement on Orton's side.

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What’s next

All signs now point to McAfee being in Orton's corner at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas, which changes the dynamic of the Orton vs. Rhodes match and the overall feel of the event.

The takeaway

The unexpected pairing of the energetic Pat McAfee and the veteran Randy Orton adds a new layer of intrigue to WrestleMania 42, potentially boosting interest and ticket sales as McAfee moves from his usual commentator role to a central storyline position.