# “Project Pat”: The Rap on Wrestling Podcast breaks down the WWE State of Play | SEASON 2 | EP 29 |

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Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-rap-on-wrestling-7231356/project-pat-the-rap-on-wrestling-podcast-breaks-down-the-wwe-state-of-play-season-2-ep-29.md
Podcast: [The Rap On Wrestling](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-rap-on-wrestling-7231356)
Published: 2026-04-10T01:03:50+00:00
Episode link: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/project-pat-the-rap-on-wrestling-podcast-breaks-down-the-wwe-state-of-play-season-2-ep-29--71222271
Audio file: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/71222271/smack.mp3
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Duration seconds: 3232

## Resource

The hosts debate whether WWE's reliance on celebrity interference, like Pat McAfee and Jelly Roll, is undermining pure wrestling storytelling. They also analyze the impact of unexpected match pairings and the current state of talent development across WWE and AEW.

## Highlights
- Failure mode: Excessive use of outside celebrities like Pat McAfee and Jelly Roll risks distracting from core wrestling narratives
- Main idea: High-caliber matches like Gunther vs. Seth Rollins can succeed without intricate long-term storylines if the in-ring work is elite
- Practical takeaway: Utilizing established talent like Rey Mysterio in ladder matches provides more value than relying on qualifying matches from secondary shows
- Main idea: The current landscape of pro wrestling is thriving due to a surplus of high-quality content across WWE, AEW, and international promotions
- Failure mode: Over-reliance on 'tribalism' and repetitive character formulas can lead to stagnant rosters and missed opportunities for new stars

## Topics

WWE, AEW, WrestleMania, SmackDown, Gunther, Roman Reigns, Pat McAfee, Pro Wrestling

## Chapters
- 1:00 — SmackDown Recap: Carmelo vs. Sammy: A breakdown of the recent SmackDown finish involving Carmelo Hayes and Sammy Guevara, and predictions for the U.S. Title picture.
- 9:00 — WrestleMania Predictions: Analyzing the implications of Cody Rhodes' recent interruptions and the direction of the championship scene.
- 13:00 — The Celebrity Problem: A critique of WWE bringing in Pat McAfee and Jelly Roll as corner men, potentially diluting the wrestling product.
- 21:00 — Gunther vs. Seth Rollins: Discussing why elite matches don't always require heavy buildup and the importance of work rate at WrestleMania.
- 25:00 — Ladder Match Omissions: The hosts argue for the inclusion of Rey Mysterio and more luchadore talent in upcoming high-stakes matches.
- 29:00 — AEW and the Global Landscape: Evaluating the current momentum of AEW, the importance of 'hype man' roles, and the strength of the international wrestling scene.
- 37:00 — The Tribal Chief's Future: Reflecting on the legacy of the Bloodline storyline and expectations for Roman Reigns' upcoming matches.

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## Transcript

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