Triple H’s WWE Creative Role Clarified After Pat McAfee Storyline

On Friday night’s WWE SmackDown, it was revealed Pat McAfee had been the caller speaking with Randy Orton. The on-screen twist drew strong online reaction and some backstage frustration.

Decision traced to TKO leadership

Multiple outlets say TKO Executive Chairman Ari Emanuel pushed to insert McAfee into the WWE Title program. Emanuel reportedly admires McAfee and saw the move as a way to boost interest and create corporate synergy with ESPN, Sean Ross Sapp reported via Filmogaz.com.

Backstage pushback and Cody Rhodes’ response

Sources say Cody Rhodes and some WWE creative members took issue with TKO’s involvement. Rhodes was asked to deliver an unscheduled, shoot-style promo reacting to McAfee’s comments earlier that night.

Internal reaction to the promo was mixed. Some felt the “this place sucks” angle rarely works in wrestling, while others called it useful heat.

Triple H’s WWE Creative role clarified

After reports that McAfee’s return came from above Paul “Triple H” Levesque, fans questioned how much control he retained. Sean Ross Sapp confirmed Triple H still leads week-to-week operations and most creative for Raw, SmackDown and Premium Live Events, Filmogaz.com reported.

Road to WrestleMania 42

WrestleMania 42 is now two weeks away. Pat McAfee’s arrival is described as the latest curveball in the booking process, with plans to keep him involved through the Showcase of the Immortals, according to Filmogaz.com.