Fightful Select has published more details regarding Pat McAfee’s return to WWE and his heel turn during Friday’s SmackDown.
McAfee was revealed as the mystery person Randy Orton had been talking to on the phone during segments on SmackDown. McAfee hit Cody Rhodes with a low-blow on SmackDown and aligned with Orton.
According to Fightful Select, the internal reaction within WWE regarding McAfee’s heel turn has been mixed. It was added that while WWE anticipated a strong response, the reaction online is said to be heavily negative, and has not gone unnoticed behind the scenes. Some within WWE reportedly viewed the negativity as simple heel heat or the reaction used for storyline purposes, while others within the company felt this was not the right kind of heat, especially so close to WrestleMania. The report further notes, there were some concerns McAfee revealed as the mystery caller may not have come off the way WWE intended it to.
Fightful Select concluded by stating that despite the difference in opinions regarding McAfee’s heel turn, he is expected to remain a key part of WWE programming going forward, including storylines for WrestleMania.
Per PWInsider, McAfee was hidden before the first segment and no one seemed to be aware he was going to be revealed at the mystery caller. The report also states Michael Hayes and Bobby Roode produced the segment and SmackDown creative writer Christian Scovell was listed internally as well.