A different creative direction was reportedly planned before Pat McAfee became part of the WrestleMania 42 storyline involving Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes.

According to PWInsider, an idea discussed in January centered around Aleister Black targeting Orton in a psychological storyline. The concept focused on Black pushing Orton to revert to his “Apex Predator” persona. The story would suggest that Orton had never fully changed and that his darker instincts were still present beneath the surface.

The pitch included a match between Black and Orton set for WrestleMania weekend. In that version, Orton was expected to hesitate when attempting to use his punt kick, leading to a likely loss. The angle would then continue after the match, with Orton attacking Rhodes using the punt in a follow-up segment tied to WrestleMania.

The planned attack on Rhodes was meant to serve as confirmation of Black’s claims, showing that Orton’s more dangerous side had not disappeared. This would have reinforced the idea that the Apex Predator persona remained a core part of Orton’s character.

It is not known how far this pitch advanced within WWE’s creative process before changes were made. However, elements of the original concept were still visible in the final version that aired. Orton’s return to a more aggressive edge and his use of the punt during WrestleMania 42 reflected parts of the earlier idea.

At some stage, McAfee’s involvement replaced Black in the central role of the storyline. That shift led to the version presented on television during WrestleMania 42 Saturday.

Meanwhile, Black competed in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal on SmackDown during WrestleMania week, marking his presence on programming despite the reported creative change.

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