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WWE and TKO have lowered prices ahead of WrestleMania 42

WWE changed the finish of Randy Orton winning the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42 due to a strange reason that involves Pat McAfee. Dave Meltzer reported that Orton was originally scheduled to beat Cody Rhodes for the top prize until McAfee backed out of the unpopular storyline. WWE added McAfee as a new heel in Orton’s corner, but fans reacted negatively to the angle.

411Mania reported the following via Meltzer’s premium newsletter:

“Randy Orton was initially planned to win the title from Rhodes at ‘Mania before plans changed. In the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer claimed that after Pat McAfee opted out of the storyline, the decision not to go with Orton as the winner was part of “all the chaos” taking place backstage on Saturday.

Meltzer claimed that some described the chaos as “like WCW,” although the decision to go with Cody Rhodes was made before Saturday. The report further adds that people in WWE believe that McAfee decided to opt out of the storyline not just because of the immense fan backlash, but also due to talents publicly expressing their reservations against his involvement in the feud.”

McAfee backing out of the planned longer push with Orton as a top heel act together caused Triple H to pivot. WWE opted to have Rhodes retain the title and continue his world title reign once McAfee was removed.

Why Pat McAfee Backed Out Of Storyline

Reports were nonstop about displeasure from the locker room regarding McAfee getting added to such a major storyline. WWE hyped up a mysterious figure leading Orton to his new character and giving him suggestions on how to hurt Rhodes.

Fans were livid when McAfee got revealed since he made little sense in the storyline and is mostly known for his broadcasting work in WWE. However, the reports about the locker room being livid were validated by Damien Priest and other names during media interviews leading up to WrestleMania.

McAfee likely didn’t want to get blamed for such a major part of the WWE product being hated by fans and his peers. The daily sports show and other business projects see McAfee as a busy man not needing WWE for his success.

Why Fans Are Upset About Orton Losing

WWE has marketed towards nostalgia in recent years by using established stars in big roles. John Cena’s retirement tour made the company massive profits and showed just how strong the interest was there to watch a legend end his career.

Orton has a similar story to Cena since he’s been in WWE for over two decades now. WWE fans cheered the heel turn of Orton due to loving this representing some of the best chapters of his career.

Most wanted to see Orton win his 15^th world championship and get closer to breaking Cena’s record. Orton had his first WrestleMania main event in 12 years and fans hoped to see a victory. Part of the reason fans hated McAfee’s involvement was due to Orton not needing anyone to do his talking. WWE switching plans to give up on Orton’s reign just upset fans more since the company was only planning to push him with McAfee.