WWE’s First Choice For Randy Orton’s Ally Revealed; It’s Not Pat McAfee

Pat McAfee was revealed as Randy Orton’s mystery ally in the build-up to WrestleMania 42, and he even tried to help The Viper win the Undisputed WWE Championship at the event. However, Cody Rhodes beat the odds to retain his title.

According to a new report from PWInsider, Pat McAfee was not WWE’s original choice to be Orton’s ally in his storyline with The American Nightmare. The report states that back in January, WWE had considered Aleister Black for the role.

The idea was for Black to torment Randy Orton and bring out his “old Apex Predator” persona, leading to a heel turn. Orton would then go on to attack Cody Rhodes, setting up their WrestleMania feud.

Pat McAfee Replaced Aleister Black In Randy Orton’s WrestleMania 42 Storyline

However, those plans never materialized, and McAfee eventually replaced Black in Randy Orton’s storyline during the road to WrestleMania.

“A pitch for Orton’s WrestleMania role back in January involved SmackDown star Aleister Black tormenting Orton, trying to bring out the old Apex Predator version of Orton.”

“The idea was that if Black succeeded, it would prove Orton had never changed or evolved and was still the old Orton deep inside. We are told the idea was that Black and Orton would face off Mania weekend, with Orton would hesitate to use his punt kick and likely lose.”

“But then later attack Cody Rhodes as a Wrestlemania angle, using the punt to bring back the old Apex Predator and prove Black right all along. It’s unclear how far the pitch progressed through WWE’s creative process, but echoes of the original plan appear in Pat McAfee’s role, including the return of the Apex Predator and Orton punting Cody with the kick at Wrestlemania.”

“So, at some point, McAfee’s role effectively replaced the pitched version featuring Black.” [H/T PWInsider]

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