WWE Reworks SmackDown Plans After Backlash Over Pat McAfee Angle

TLDR

WWE has reworked parts of its creative plans for SmackDown following negative fan reaction to Pat McAfee's involvement in the Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton storyline. According to WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select, the company has gone back to the drawing board to reassess the story direction, with additional outside involvement including celebrity names like Jelly Roll now being reconsidered. Sources indicate that CM Punk's comments on Monday's Raw reflected this change in direction and weren't originally planned as of the Friday when McAfee was revealed as Orton's ally.