Pat McAfee Defends Controversial WWE Heel Turn

The commentator-turned-wrestler responds to fan backlash over his recent actions on SmackDown.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 7:39pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the figures of Pat McAfee, Randy Orton, and Cody Rhodes in a wrestling match or confrontation, with sharp planes of vibrant colors capturing the raw energy and tension of their storyline.A bold, cubist interpretation of the brewing conflict between McAfee, Orton, and the WWE Champion Rhodes ahead of the company's biggest event.Las Vegas Today

During his latest episode of The Pat McAfee Show, the former NFL punter addressed the negative fan reaction to his recent heel turn on WWE SmackDown. McAfee aligned himself with Randy Orton and attacked Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, drawing the ire of many viewers. McAfee doubled down on his new villainous persona, calling out the 'internet wrestling community' and promising that Orton's upcoming title reign will 'save the entire business'.

Why it matters

McAfee's sudden turn to the dark side has surprised many WWE fans who have grown accustomed to his energetic and fan-friendly commentary. This shift in character could have major implications for the upcoming WrestleMania event, where Orton is poised to challenge for the WWE Championship.

The details

On the April 6th episode of his podcast, McAfee addressed the backlash to his actions on the previous week's SmackDown. He mocked fans for still having available tickets to WrestleMania, stating that they 'have no idea what they've been missing' and that Orton becoming a 15-time world champion will be a pivotal moment that 'saves the entire business'. McAfee also lashed out at the 'internet wrestling community', calling them 'dipshits' who 'are a part of the problem'.

  • On April 3rd, 2026, McAfee turned heel on WWE SmackDown, attacking Cody Rhodes and aligning with Randy Orton.
  • McAfee addressed the fan backlash on the April 6th, 2026 episode of The Pat McAfee Show.

The players

Pat McAfee

A former NFL punter who has transitioned into a popular wrestling commentator and personality. McAfee recently turned heel in WWE, aligning himself with Randy Orton.

Randy Orton

A 14-time WWE world champion who is poised to challenge for the title again at WrestleMania, with McAfee's support.

Cody Rhodes

The current Undisputed WWE Champion, who was attacked by McAfee on a recent episode of SmackDown.

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What they’re saying

“Somehow tickets are still available for WrestleMania. Just know that we got some things cooking, and you're going to want to be in Las Vegas. It's going to be spectacular. It's going to be special. Future wrestling generation fans will have to look back on the night that was in Las Vegas and say, 'That was the moment that that GOAT saved the entire business by becoming 15-time World Champion.' Shout out to Randy Orton. Thank you, Randy, for doing that.”

— Pat McAfee, Wrestler and Commentator

“These IWC dipshits, they have no idea. This is for the good of them. They have no idea what they've been missing, they have no idea what it's supposed to look like. Now we change that. That's the Internet Wrestling Community. They're not the biggest fans of what happened, they're pretty upset about it. But they are a part of the problem. They are the ones that said, 'Yeah, this is what it's supposed to be, all this stuff.' It's like, 'Nah, let us show you what it's supposed to be whenever Randy Orton is at the top of the marquee.'”

— Pat McAfee, Wrestler and Commentator

What’s next

Fans will have to wait and see how McAfee and Orton's alliance plays out in the lead-up to WrestleMania, where Orton is expected to challenge for the WWE Championship.

The takeaway

McAfee's sudden heel turn has polarized the WWE fanbase, with many criticizing his dismissive attitude towards the 'internet wrestling community'. However, his confidence in Orton's ability to 'save the business' suggests this could be a significant storyline leading into the company's biggest event of the year.