Mark Kaboly has laid out a clear case for why Pat McAfee has stepped into Randy Orton’s corner against Cody Rhodes, and the argument centers on value, controversy, and attention. In his view, McAfee is not only helping WWE build a bigger story, but also exposing how much fans wanted a different direction for Rhodes’ championship run.
Kaboly’s comments focus on the idea that McAfee’s role has been misunderstood by parts of the audience. He argues that McAfee said nothing out of line when he linked Rhodes to the type of character fans often criticize, and that the backlash says more about the messenger than the message.
Why Kaboly Says McAfee Is Helping WWE
Kaboly believes McAfee is doing what many critics only do online: he is turning frustration into action. He points out that McAfee has taken time away from a busy career to invest energy in a story that can push WWE conversation beyond the usual fan chatter.
- McAfee created discussion around Randy Orton’s position in WWE.
- The reaction gave WWE a fresh talking point across Raw, SmackDown, and social media.
- The segment pulled in viewers who may not follow wrestling closely.
- It gave Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, and others material for strong follow-up promos.
The core of Kaboly’s view is that wrestling needs moments that feel disruptive enough to matter. He says McAfee’s seven-minute promo accomplished that by generating heat, debate, and interest without needing a long setup.
The Cody Rhodes Factor
Kaboly also frames the issue as part of a larger reaction to Cody Rhodes himself. He suggests that McAfee was expressing a sentiment that many fans had already voiced in different forms, especially around Rhodes being presented as the face of WWE.
Rhodes has remained one of the company’s biggest names, but Kaboly’s argument is that some viewers have grown tired of the familiar arguments around his character. That is why McAfee’s comments landed so loudly, even if they were not universally welcomed.
Why Randy Orton Matters in the Story
Kaboly says the choice to align McAfee with Randy Orton makes sense because Orton represents a veteran star who, in his eyes, had been sidelined or underused. He argues that WWE needed someone to spotlight that issue, and McAfee became the voice that pushed the story forward.
| Key point | Kaboly’s view |
|---|---|
| Orton’s status | A star who deserves more focus |
| McAfee’s role | A messenger who forces attention |
| Fan reaction | Proof that the angle worked |
| WWE benefit | More interest in the product |
Kaboly’s broader point is that wrestling thrives when people argue about it. If fans are annoyed, intrigued, or even offended, he sees that as a sign that the storyline is working.
Why the Backlash Does Not Surprise Kaboly
Kaboly suggests that some fans were upset because they did not expect McAfee to be the one carrying that message. He says the reaction was fueled by disappointment that the role did not go to someone with deeper in-ring roots, but he describes that frustration as misplaced.
He also argues that jealousy plays a part in the criticism, because McAfee has built success in football, media, and business while still inserting himself into wrestling in a meaningful way. From Kaboly’s perspective, that background gives McAfee a different kind of credibility, not less of one.
What WWE Gained From the Segment
Kaboly sees the segment as a win for WWE because it did exactly what wrestling angles are supposed to do: it made people care. The debate spilled beyond the ring and pushed fans to pay attention to what happens next.
That includes the follow-up promos from CM Punk and Cody Rhodes, which Kaboly views as proof that one sharp segment can ripple across the entire show. He also notes that moments like this can bring in viewers who want to see the fallout, not just the match itself.
What Comes Next for McAfee and Orton
Kaboly’s reading of the angle suggests there is still more to come, and he believes fans should expect the story to develop beyond what was shown on television. In his view, McAfee is not the full story but a key part of a larger plan that WWE is preparing to reveal.
The main reason Kaboly backs McAfee’s role is simple: it got people talking, and in wrestling, that often means the job was done well. As the build continues, the focus remains on whether McAfee’s alignment with Orton will keep reshaping the conversation around Rhodes and the direction of WWE programming.
Read more at: www.wwe.com
