WWE is aware of the negative reactions.
The reveal of Pat McAfee as Randy Orton's mystery caller on this past Friday's episode of SmackDown turned out to be a disaster for the company, as the whole thing was universally panned around the wrestling circles.
With reports suggesting that the story idea originated on the corporate front of TKO instead of the creative front, the officials seem to have been left scrambling to make any sense of it with only days left to WrestleMania.
WWE Reworking Pat McAfee Plans
Fightful Select provided some updates on the matter, giving an insight into the backstage reaction to the whole thing. They reveal that the WWE officials are aware of the negative reactions, as they have gone back to the drawing board to discuss possibilities and 'reworked' some of the plans for the story after Friday's segment.
CM Punk's fiery promo, where he called out the MAGA association of TKO brass and asked the company to lower ticket prices, is said to be one of these changes, as it was not part of the plans as of Friday evening.
Pat McAfee has promised a 'good time' to fans while confirming his appearance on this Friday's SmackDown. Though with only two episodes of the Friday Night show to go before WrestleMania, we'll have to see if the promotion is able to salvage the story.
