Off The Script w/JDfromNY

On this week’s episode of The Two Count with Jonathan Coachman, we break down the biggest stories across WWE and AEW, including major WrestleMania developments, controversial promos, and fan reactions across the wrestling world.

We start with the fallout from Cody Rhodes’ off-script promo on SmackDown, and whether it added real emotion to the WrestleMania build or exposed cracks in WWE’s creative direction.

We also discuss the reveal of Pat McAfee as the mystery call, and whether WWE delivered on the hype or left fans underwhelmed.

Over in AEW, Chris Jericho makes his return, raising questions about whether AEW continues to rely too heavily on established names instead of building new stars.

We also break down the situation surrounding Mercedes Moné vacating her final championship, and why many fans are frustrated with how AEW is handling one of its biggest stars.

Elsewhere, Carmelo Hayes remains without a clear WrestleMania direction, and we debate whether WWE is missing a major opportunity with one of its fastest-rising talents.

We also take a closer look at the reaction to Peter Rosenberg’s comments on “suicide dives”, and whether the backlash reflects a larger divide in how fans view modern wrestling.

Plus, we discuss Dave Meltzer’s comparison of Kendal Grey to Sasha Banks, and whether the comparison is fair or completely off-base.

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WWE feels like it’s breaking from the inside… and it’s all happening right before WrestleMania 42.

Pat McAfee’s shocking role in the Cody Rhodes vs Randy Orton feud wasn’t a creative decision. Reports say it came straight from TKO CEO Ari Emanuel, with McAfee originally turning the idea down before eventually agreeing to it. The move was driven by corporate strategy, ESPN synergy, and ticket sales… not storytelling.

That decision has created real tension backstage.

Cody Rhodes’ promo on SmackDown? Not on the run sheet. Said to be “from the hip” and fueled by legitimate frustration with TKO inserting itself into WrestleMania storylines. Meanwhile, talent reaction to McAfee being added has been mixed at best, with some feeling Rhodes is now forced to carry unnecessary weight heading into the biggest match of the year

Then CM Punk took it even further on Raw.

Calling out Roman Reigns, The Rock, Pat McAfee, and even Ari Emanuel directly, Punk went after ticket prices and corporate decisions on live TV, echoing real frustration from both fans and talent. WWE is reportedly now considering lowering ticket prices, suggesting what Punk said may not have been just storyline

So the question is simple…

Are we watching a storyline… or the beginning of a WWE vs TKO power struggle playing out on television?

ALSO ON TONIGHT’S TUESDAY NIGHT TITANS:
🎙️WrestleMania 42 full card revealed for Night 1 & Night 2
🎙️Seth Rollins vs Gunther was a last-minute, heavily debated creative decision
🎙️Mercedes Moné now holds ZERO championships after vacating her APAC Women's Title
🎙️Chris Jericho returns to AEW and may have signed a new deal
🎙️Peter Rosenberg sparks backlash over “suicide dive” comments
🎙️Dave Meltzer compares Kendal Grey and Mercedes Mone as sparks online debate
🎙️AEW Dynasty Preview & Predictions

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CM Punk unleashed hell, in what fans are claiming is his NEW PIPEBOMB promo in 2026, as he SHOOTS on Ari Emanuel, Pat McAfee being brought in, Roman Reigns, The Rock, and TKO hiking ticket prices to where it's virtually unaffordable. 

After Friday Night SmackDown, and WWE introducing Pat McAfee to the Cody Rhodes, and Randy Orton situation, WWE did some HEAVY damage control on WWE Raw tonight, by sending CM Punk out there to unleash the frustration felt by many regarding several problems plaguing WWE including Pat McAfee himself, Ari Emanuel, TKO, The Rock, Ticket Prices, and of course Roman Reigns. What does it all mean, and are we all being "worked" for some massive grand plan to be revealed at WrestleMania?

📋 WWE Raw 4//6/26 Review:
🎙️Seth Rollins vs Gunther WrestleMania build continues
🎙️Gunther’s attack on Rollins and lack of storyline explanation
🎙️Brock Lesnar and Oba Femi contract signing
🎙️CM Punk's PIPEBOMB 2.0
🎙️LA Knight goes one on one with Austin Theory
🎙️Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY take on B-Fab and Michin from SmackDown
🎙️Rey Mysterio returns and gets his WrestleMania match

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Cody Rhodes knew Pat McAfee's segment on Friday Night SmackDown was so terrible he cut a legitimate SHOOT promo later in the show. 

Pat McAfee was revealed as the "mystery caller" to Randy Orton on SmackDown in one of the worst segments all year, and one that was totally uncalled for in the feud between Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes heading into WrestleMania. It was reported that the decision was not Triple H's call but a decision made by TKO and Ari Emanuel. 

Now new reports emerge saying Pat McAfee didn't want to do but TKO always wanted this spot to go to a celebrity. Has TKO ruined one of the biggest matches at this year's WrestleMania? Does Pat McAfee being included make any sense? If not, how do we make it make sense?

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WWE SmackDown finally revealed the mystery behind Randy Orton’s phone calls, with Pat McAfee returning as his ally but the payoff fell completely flat.

After weeks of buildup and speculation around names like The Rock, Kevin Owens, and Triple H, WWE went in a very different direction, leaving the Cody Rhodes vs Randy Orton WrestleMania 42 storyline feeling underwhelming at a critical point in the build.

While there’s always a chance this leads to something bigger, the initial reveal felt like a major miss and raises questions about WWE relying on celebrity involvement instead of delivering a stronger story payoff.

📋 WWE SmackDown 4/3/26 Review:
🎙️Randy Orton mystery phone revealed as Pat McAfee
🎙️Matt Cardona takes on Aleister Black
🎙️Carmelo Hayes gets his rematch for the US Title against Sami Zayn
🎙️Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs Bayley & Lyra Valkryia
🎙️Tama Tonga gives the lantern back to Uncle Howdy
🎙️Rhea Ripley vs Michin
🎙️Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu tensions

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#RandyOrton #CodyRhodes #WWE #SmackDown #WrestleMania

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