WrestleMania 42 featured a controversial and eventful storyline involving Pat McAfee and Jelly Roll. This year, WWE focused on building thrilling storylines leading up to its main event, creating unforgettable moments for fans. However, the introduction of McAfee into a crucial match garnered mixed reactions.
McAfee’s Dramatic Entrance
On the first night of WrestleMania 42, Pat McAfee made a striking entrance, drawing attention with his provocative gestures. He was seen flipping double middle fingers, a rare sight reminiscent of Stone Cold Steve Austin’s iconic antics. His actions did not go unnoticed; at one point, audience audio captured him directing an explicit remark toward spectators.
Key Match Events
The atmosphere in Allegiant Stadium, with a crowd of over 50,000, shifted positively as Randy Orton made his entrance, engaging the audience in a sing-along. Cody Rhodes followed with a unique entrance showcasing mannequins dressed in his various ring gear from different eras.
- McAfee seized the microphone from ring announcer Alicia Taylor and attempted a Paul Heyman-style introduction, which fell short of legendary standards.
- As the match began, McAfee launched an unexpected attack on Rhodes using his microphone.
- Rhodes quickly retaliated with a Cross Rhodes move on McAfee and then dragged him onto an announce table.
Jelly Roll’s Involvement
As the action intensified, Jelly Roll appeared at ringside. He made a spectacular leap from one announce table to another, delivering an elbow drop onto McAfee, smashing through the table. Jelly Roll urged Rhodes to entertain the fans, ramping up the drama of the moment.
Injury and Departure
In the midst of the chaos, medical personnel were called to assist McAfee, who appeared injured. He was transported on a gurney, but not before he managed to raise his middle finger one final time from the stretcher. This scenario seemed to indicate that McAfee might not be completely out of the event’s storyline.
Shocking Conclusion
As the main event unfolded, tensions rose again. After Rhodes faced an eye gouge, Orton delivered a surprising RKO to referee Charles Robinson, removing him from the equation. Rhodes attempted a risky Cody Cutter but was countered mid-air with another RKO.
At that moment, an unexpected twist occurred when McAfee reappeared, donning a referee outfit and rushing to the ring to count the pin. Rhodes, however, managed to kick out just in time, much to the crowd’s excitement.
Final Moments
Frustrated with McAfee’s interference, Orton executed an RKO on him, allowing Rhodes the opportunity to recover. With the referee back in position, Rhodes delivered a decisive Cross Rhodes, clinching his title retention as the evening closed.
This match not only entertained fans but also left them pondering McAfee’s fate in WWE. The blend of celebrity involvement and unexpected twists showcased the thrill that WrestleMania embodies.
