NEWS - Cody Rhodes Takes Shots At Pat McAfee!

WhatCulture Wrestling19mApril 14, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

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.

Key Takeaways
1

The Pat McAfee addition to the main event undermines a rich, decades-old Cody vs. Orton rivalry with no narrative justification.

2

WWE’s ticket pricing strategy and last-minute discounts are seen as desperate and alienating to fans.

3

The real story potential of Cody and Orton’s history—mentorship, Legacy, and personal legacy—was ignored in favor of celebrity spectacle.

4

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.

5

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.

Chapters
0:00
2 min

Sponsor: Denkvorout.nl & Exact Software

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.

2:00
4 min

Cody Rhodes Criticizes Pat McAfee’s WrestleMania Involvement

He's just trying to save wrestling. No. That's it.

Highlight
6:00
5 min

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.

Highlight
11:00
5 min

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!

Highlight
16:00
4 min

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.

High-Impact Quotes
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!
Phil Chagels7:16
Viral: 90.0
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.
Phil Chagels3:11
Viral: 85.0
He's just trying to save wrestling. No. That's it.
Phil Chagels1:29
Viral: 75.0
Speakers

Hosts

Phil ChagelsCo-Host
Topics Discussed
WrestleMania Main Event Storytelling95%Pat McAfee's Role in WWE90%Cody Rhodes vs Randy Orton Rivalry88%WWE Ticket Pricing Strategy85%Paige's Potential WWE Return75%Ridge Holland's Comeback70%Celebrity Involvement in Wrestling60%Free ESPN Aired Matches55%
People & Brands

Cody Rhodes

person

18xNeutral

Randy Orton

person

15xNeutral

WWE

organization

14xNegative

Pat McAfee

person

12xNegative

Paige

person

8xPositive

AJ Lee

person

6xPositive

Ridge Holland

person

5xPositive

TKO

organization

4xNegative

iShowSpeed

person

3xNeutral

Brock Lesnar

person

3xPositive

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