WWE has faced criticism following the reveal of Pat McAfee as Randy Orton’s ally last week, but an unlikely name from WWE’s past has defended the call.
On the latest WWE SmackDown, McAfee was revealed as the person whom Orton had been speaking with on the phone, and the pair attacked Cody Rhodes.
Taking to Twitter, former WWE Superstar Ryback encouraged fans to give the angle a chance to play out before forming their opinions.
“Happiness is a choice, and so is how we view things. The angle with Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and Pat McAfee isn’t finished yet, so let it play out. Not every moment in a storyline is going to be a chartbuster, peaks and valleys are part of what make the payoff matter. The biggest show of the year is where stories peak, not two weeks before.”
Ryback added that McAfee’s role in the Undisputed WWE Title picture will help bring more attention to WrestleMania from outside the wrestling scene.
“McAfee brings real mainstream appeal with a massive audience and his show on ESPN, which puts more casual eyes on WWE and this storyline. If after it all you’re not happy, speak your truth, but don’t judge the movie before the final scene.”
Ryback’s stance will come as a surprise to many given that he has been very hostile to WWE since his 2016 exit, including accusing WWE of illegal activity.
On TV, McAfee explained himself, saying that he’s tired of short wrestlers competing in lengthy matches when he could be watching bona fide Superstars like Orton.
McAfee highlighted a recent low rating for SmackDown and the fact that WrestleMania 42 hasn’t sold out as the reasons why there needs to be a change.
McAfee will be in Orton’s corner when the Viper challenges Rhodes at WrestleMania 42 in what will be Orton’s third main event and Cody’s fifth at the show.