From the Gobbledy Gooker’s first appearance to the infamous Katie Vick storyline, and WWE’s efforts to position Roman Reigns as a babyface between 2014 and 2020, fans have often pushed back hard against creative directions. But Cody Rhodes takes it even further, calling Pat McAfee’s reveal as Randy Orton’s mystery caller the most poorly received moment in wrestling history.

“This might be the worst reception wrestling has ever seen,” Cody said on SI Media with Jimmy Traina. “Sure, Gobbledy Gooker was bad, Shockmaster was kind of a funny disaster, but this isn’t just a segment, it’s the entire fanbase. Every group you can think of, hardcore wrestling fans, casual viewers, ‘cinematic’ fans, everyone reacted with a big, confused ‘Huh?’ So yeah, I think this tops them all.”

That said, Rhodes isn’t dismissing the situation entirely. Despite the backlash, he’s not concerned about the WrestleMania 42 night one main event. After all, he’s still one-on-one with Randy Orton inside the ring.

“I have to look on the bright side here,” Cody added. “Pat McAfee is a massive star not just in wrestling circles but across ESPN. His College GameDay stuff is legendary, he’s a fantastic athlete, and he genuinely loves wrestling. He’s stepping in to help our show, and I respect that.”

Still, Rhodes is keenly aware of the widespread criticism, online and beyond. “I once said every wrestler’s glued to their phones. I didn’t mean it literally, but we all know what’s going on out there. Seeing this kind of reaction, I’m thinking back to when I was doing Stardust or getting small breaks early in my career, asking myself, ‘How can we turn this into something?’”

What keeps him confident is who he’s facing: Randy Orton. “Honestly, I think Randy’s at the top of his game. Even before he turned on me, crowds were reacting to him like never before; there was a real respect and love there. After John left, Randy stepped up big, maybe the best he’s ever been. I even watched his match with The Undertaker recently, and he wrestled so differently, you could call it some of his finest work.”

That gives Rhodes faith that the match will deliver from start to finish. “Where does Pat fit into this? I’m honestly excited to get in the ring with him in the mix. When you ask for that spot, you have to stand up and take it. Some guys shy away. John Cena dealt with it for years, and now I’m going through it too.”

Pat McAfee’s role as Orton’s mystery caller was revealed on April 3’s SmackDown, and he’ll be ringside when Orton takes on Cody for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42.

The decision to bring McAfee into the storyline reportedly came from TKO CEO Ari Emanuel, aiming to boost ticket sales and strengthen WWE’s ties with ESPN. But the move sparked immediate backlash, not only from fans but also from within WWE locker rooms, uneasy about McAfee’s addition to the Rhodes-Orton rivalry.

Interestingly, the original plan included Jelly Roll in Cody’s corner for WrestleMania 42 as well. That setup would have led to a tag match at Backlash: Pat McAfee & Randy Orton versus Jelly Roll & Cody Rhodes. As of last week, that plan was still on the table.

WrestleMania 42 is just around the corner, and the buzz is getting louder every week as WWE lays out the card for what looks like another epic two-night show.

Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas is expected to host the event, and both RAW and SmackDown have started to reveal the direction things are heading. Not every match has been made official yet, but the latest storylines and some pretty solid backstage news give us a strong idea of what’s coming.

As always, WrestleMania marks the payoff for months of storylines, and this year’s is no exception. You’ve got big championship feuds, old grudges flaring up, and new stars stepping into the spotlight. If it goes the way things are trending, it should be a solid mix of star power and drama, just what you want from the “Showcase of the Immortals.”

Following the hottest TV stories and backstage reporting, here’s what the card looks like it's shaping up to be.

World title matches take centre stage

The Undisputed WWE Championship will headline one night, with Cody Rhodes set to defend against Randy Orton. These two have a history, and lately, Orton’s experience and mean streak have seriously tested Cody. This isn’t just about a title; it’s about legacy, payback, and two careers on the line. It feels like a main event.

The other huge match? CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship. People can’t stop talking about this one. Punk brings a rebel attitude, while Reigns just dominates everyone in front of him. Their war of words alone could sell out the stadium. WWE hasn’t made it official, but if this match happens, it might end up being one of those classic WrestleMania showdowns everyone remembers.

Women’s division ready to make headlines

Don’t sleep on the women’s matches this year. Rhea Ripley’s likely to defend her Women’s World Title against Bianca Belair in a showdown between two of WWE’s best. Ripley hits hard, Belair moves like lightning, and when they collide, it’ll be fireworks.

There’s also a strong chance we see IYO SKY put her WWE Women’s Championship on the line against Bayley. The tension inside Damage CTRL has made this feud feel personal. WrestleMania is famous for shocking faction breakups, and this match could deliver another.

Midcard titles and rising stars get their shot

It’s not all about the main events. Expect the Intercontinental Championship to get a spotlight with GUNTHER defending, maybe against Sami Zayn or Chad Gable. GUNTHER has made every big-stage title match count, and he’ll do it again.

The United States Title should get some shine, too. LA Knight is building a lot of momentum, and a match against Logan Paul, who always grabs headlines, feels almost inevitable. That’s the kind of mix of showmanship and in-ring action that fills seats.

Tag teams and show-stealers

The tag team division is looking hot, with The Judgment Day possibly defending their belts against DIY or The New Day. WWE knows how to turn tag matches into all-out spectacles, and this one could get wild if multiple teams get involved.

Spectacle matches and grudge wars

No WrestleMania is complete without some over-the-top attraction matches. Brock Lesnar often delivers those big “can’t-miss” moments, and a clash with Bron Breakker would feel like a passing of the torch. That kind of generational battle fits right into WrestleMania tradition.

Personal feuds are heating up, too. Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre have been butting heads on TV, and if they fight, expect something hard-hitting and emotional. Rey Mysterio might also end up in a story about family or mentorship; he has a way of giving WrestleMania that extra bit of heart.

Celebrities and surprises

Of course, it’s not WrestleMania without some jaw-dropping surprises and celebrity involvement. Logan Paul’s star power almost guarantees more mainstream buzz, and there’s still talk that The Rock could show up. You never know who’s going to walk through the curtain, which is half the fun.

All told, WrestleMania 42 looks ready to deliver, packed with big matches, major moments, and the kind of electricity you only get once a year.