Austin Theory did not hold back when addressing Pat McAfee ahead of WrestleMania 42, delivering strong criticism during a recent media appearance.

Speaking on Unsportsmanlike, Theory reacted to McAfee’s role at WrestleMania 42, where he will be in the corner of Randy Orton as Orton challenges Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Theory, who previously lost to McAfee at WrestleMania 38, made his stance clear.

“Pat McAfee, he’s disgusting. When I think back to that WrestleMania, unfortunately, I lost at that WrestleMania when I faced Pat McAfee. The fact that he’s still around and is going to be walking into WrestleMania with Randy Orton, I don’t really see the levels there. Randy Orton is a legend, Pat McAfee is a scumbag,” Theory said.

He continued by criticizing not only McAfee, but also the platforms that continue to feature him.

“I’m disappointed, very disappointed. I’m disappointed in Las Vegas, ESPN, and WWE. What are we doing? Why do we have this guy? He just runs his mouth, talks a bunch of trash, but he can’t back it up,” Theory said.

When asked to explain his frustration, Theory pointed to what he sees as unequal treatment between McAfee and full-time WWE talent.

“When somebody is sitting behind the commentary table and they get to make their schedule and get in the WWE ring and hold the most prestigious prize and run their mouth for as long as they want, knowing other WWE superstars don’t get that leeway, it’s disgusting,” he said.

Theory will still have his own role at WrestleMania 42. He is scheduled to team with Logan Paul and IShowSpeed against The Usos and LA Knight on April 18 at Allegiant Stadium.

As previously reported, WWE talent are not restricted from speaking openly about McAfee or his involvement in current storylines. In fact, the company appears to be leaning into the criticism as part of its promotion for WrestleMania 42.

Paul Levesque addressed that approach, stating that the attention generated by McAfee—positive or negative—serves a purpose.

“People are talking, and that’s a good thing. Pat—love him or hate him—makes people talk, and that’s what matters.”

With WrestleMania 42 approaching, the ongoing back-and-forth adds another layer to the event. Theory’s comments reflect the broader conversation around McAfee’s presence, which WWE continues to use as part of its overall build.

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