Randy Orton addressed his alliance with Pat McAfee on the April 17 episode of SmackDown. He offered a statement that seemed to split down the middle — not quite a full endorsement, but far from a rejection.
With WrestleMania 42 just hours away, Orton’s partnership with McAfee remains a key talking point in his Undisputed WWE Championship clash against Cody Rhodes.
Randy Orton explains why he ‘wants’ Pat McAfee in his corner
During his in-ring promo, the Viper made it clear he isn’t leaning on McAfee as a crutch. However, he isn’t pushing him away either. “I don’t need Pat McAfee. The truth is, I want him,” Orton said, drawing a firm line between dependence and choice.
He expanded on that point, calling the legendary footballer “the only straight shooter in this whole company,” someone who tells him what he needs to hear rather than what he wants to hear.
In Orton’s view, that honesty is exactly what fuels his pursuit of a 15th world title. This is a deeply personal goal that he plans to secure with an RKO at WrestleMania.
The segment followed a backstage arrival where McAfee was handed a contract by Nick Aldis — only to sign it almost instantly after a brief hesitation.
Orton then headed to the ring alone. This potentially reinforces the idea that while McAfee is aligned with him, he isn’t walking hand-in-hand into battle.
This alliance dates back to April 3, when McAfee revealed himself as Orton’s advisor after attacking Cody Rhodes. Since then, the partnership has drawn mixed reactions. Rhodes dismisses McAfee as a mere “garnish” compared to the “steak” he faces in Orton.
Still, the Viper’s message on SmackDown suggests the relationship isn’t about flash — it’s about focus.
As WrestleMania 42 approaches, the dynamic remains intriguing — not quite a tag team, not quite a solo act, but something in between.
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