Pat McAfee has raised the stakes in a major way following his return to WWE television, revealing himself as the mystery voice behind Randy Orton’s recent actions and now putting his own future on the line.

After appearing on SmackDown, McAfee took to social media to declare that he will walk away from wrestling television for good if Orton fails to defeat Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 42.

“How about that marks?” McAfee said. “Never back on any wrestling television if Randy Orton loses at WrestleMania. I don’t know how long the business will last if that happens, but I will never come back. I am here on a mission to motivate a 6-foot-5, 270, 280-pound monster to lead the WWE. My friend, the Legend Killer, the GOAT, Randy Orton. Tickets available now. Most important match in the history of this business happens in Las Vegas Nevada. Come watch it live.”

The bold statement adds even more intensity to an already heated rivalry, with McAfee aligning himself fully behind Orton as he prepares for one of the biggest matches of his career.

McAfee has been absent from WWE programming since June 2025, when he stepped away from commentary citing mental exhaustion. His return now comes with significant implications, not only for Orton’s championship pursuit but also for McAfee’s own presence in the wrestling world.

Orton is set to challenge Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42, taking place across April 18 and 19 in Las Vegas, Nevada.