In the event that Randy Orton lost to Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 42, Pat McAfee promised that he would never be seen or heard on wrestling television ever again. This confidence ultimately backfired as Orton dropped the WWE broadcaster with an RKO, only to turn into a Cross Rhodes from “The American Nightmare” in the night one main event.
Rhodes secured the win by pinning Orton seconds later. McAfee then promptly disappeared from WWE programming. Still, WWE fans have questioned if his absence will actually become permanent.
According to McAfee himself, it will.
If Randy had won, maybe [I would return to WWE], but I made a promise that I would never, ever,” McAfee said on his Instagram stories. “I would never be seen on WWE television ever again. And Cody Rhodes won. He is the one. Wow, what a donkey he turned out to be. Maybe he was the right one all along. Maybe I was wrong with what I was saying. But no, wrestling fans can sleep soundly understanding that I will never be back over there.
Following the shocking WrestleMania 42 events, Rhodes continued his reign as Undisputed WWE Championship, all while sporting a swollen eye. Orton left WWE television for nearly four months.
McAfee maintained his on-screen presence as the host of The Pat McAfee Show and other ESPN-related works. Much of the WWE Universe, meanwhile, maintained their frustration with McAfee’s abrupt insertion into the Rhodes-Orton feud, which has now resumed without him.
Rhodes, no longer the Undisputed WWE Champion, will take on Orton in a rematch at WWE Sunday Night’s Main Event on September 6.
