WWE Aims to Revamp Major WrestleMania Storyline

WWE is moving to revise a major storyline ahead of WrestleMania after a poorly received television reveal. Senior leadership, including Triple H, is preparing changes for Friday’s SmackDown in San Jose.

What unfolded on SmackDown

Last Friday’s SmackDown revealed Pat McAfee as Randy Orton’s mystery caller. The segment framed McAfee as encouraging Orton’s heel behavior ahead of the Cody Rhodes match for the WWE Championship.

The on-air response from fans was negative. The reaction quickly affected the show’s momentum toward the Showcase of the Immortals.

Backstage fallout and unscripted moments

Sources say the segment generated heat backstage. Cody Rhodes reportedly delivered unscripted shots at McAfee later in the episode.

CM Punk then addressed McAfee on Monday Raw. Insider reports say Punk’s comments were not part of the original plans.

Reported creative changes

WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select reported that WWE has reworked plans for this Friday’s SmackDown. The company is looking to adjust the angle before WrestleMania weekend.

Possible options include expanding Orton’s mystery contacts. Another idea reportedly under consideration involved Grammy-winning artist Jelly Roll.

Why Friday night matters

Next weekend is WrestleMania, so time is short. Friday’s SmackDown is the last major chance to repair the storyline.

Triple H and the creative team must win fans back. The company also faces criticism over alleged outside input from Ari Emanuel and TKO for a third consecutive year.

Outlook

WWE aims to revamp this major WrestleMania storyline and restore momentum. How SmackDown handles McAfee and the Orton–Rhodes build will shape WrestleMania night one.