Instead of taking verbal digs at WWE’s creative team and the imminent WrestleMania event, Ray believes McAfee would have fared better by aiming them at Rhodes. As an example, Ray noted that McAfee could have disparaged Rhodes’ quality as a champion or as the face of WWE. Rhodes regained the Undisputed WWE Championship last month, with Orton, his former mentor, then turning on him en route to their title clash at WrestleMania 42.

“Busted Open Radio” co-host Dave LaGreca called the potential consequences of McAfee’s involvement and statements toward the feud “crazy.” Still, LaGreca admitted that a part of him is intrigued by them.

According to Ray, the overall interest level amongst fans is likely dependent on the follow-up storyline content seen on the remaining episodes of “WWE Raw” and “SmackDown” ahead of WrestleMania. “What other type of follow-up can you possibly think of other than Pat McAfee or Randy Orton talking about the same thing? Is there more depth to this?

“So you want to say you’re intrigued by it, you’re interested by it. If a monkey ran into the ring and threw s*** into the fifth row, I’m interested in it. I want to see what the monkey does next. Okay, so what are they going to say next? When we spoke last Friday, we said this surprise, this reveal, whoever it is, needs to encourage people to want to pay to watch the product more. As of right now, with the perception of what went on, do you think people want to pay to watch the product more?” Ray asked, to which LaGreca responded negatively.

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit “Busted Open Radio” with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.