BS Meter on Pat McAfee, Nikki Bella Injury, Chris Jericho Contract, More WWE and AEW Rumors

Just when it seemed like a WrestleMania build couldn't possibly get more chaotic, WWE injected Pat McAfee into a main event in a misguided-feeling attempt at promoting the event. 

Now, we've never really seen anything like the current pro wrestling rumor mill. 

McAfee's involvement and what comes next, of course, is one of the biggest items making the rounds right now. 

But it's certainly not alone. There are rumblings about injury buzz that could impact 'Mania matches, Chris Jericho's big return and other 'Mania plans, too. 

To help fans keep up with the historic-feeling pace, let's put the biggest rumors on the BS Meter, with 10 being the highest form of unbelievable buzz fans can safely dismiss.

Pat McAfee details

The Rumor

Apparently, Pat McAfee didn't want this, either. At first, anyway. According to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t Geno Mrosko of Cageside Seats), McAfee originally turned down the offer to be a part of the Cody Rhodes-Randy Orton storyline. 

Reaction

Obviously, something changed and McAfee is now on board. The writeup mentions, though, that it was a "very unpopular move" within WWE. Which makes sense: A feud with as much history behind it like Orton vs. Rhodes doesn't need outside help. And it certainly doesn't need it at the last second from an announcer, among other things.

BS Meter: 10

Let's call this a total lie. The timing on this leak reeks of damage control, as if McAfee relenting and getting into the storyline is something he did for the greater good. Reading between the lines a bit, the contractual offer is what moved the needle, because even McAfee himself had to know how shaky this whole thing was. 

Nikki Bella injury update

Bradlee Rutledge/WWE via Getty Images

The Rumor

Nikki Bella carries one of the more notable injury situations into 'Mania this year. According to Bryan Alvarez of the Wrestling Observer (h/t Rajah's Tom Araya), if Bella isn't medically cleared by the event, The Bella Twins will get replaced by The Kabuki Warriors. 

Reaction

For those out of the loop, the Bellas are supposed to be part of a Fatal 4-Way Match for the Women's Tag Team Titles, a match that also includes Charlotte Flair and Alexa, Lyra Valkyria and Bayley and the current champions, The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend). Got all that? Bella suffered an ankle injury at the end of March promoting the showdown and hasn't been cleared yet. 

BS Meter: 1

Easy enough buy here. WWE's roster is super deep and they have another tag team on standby if one of the others can't go. The Bellas, of course, might draw more casual viewers than any other team for something like 'Mania, so it makes sense WWE is holding out hope. 

Chris Jericho's AEW details

VALERIE MACON / AFP

The Rumor

Chris Jericho's contract with AEW is now under the spotlight after his big return. According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, Jericho indeed signed a new contract before making his reappearance on television. 

Reaction

Jericho made a surprise return on April 1 and called AEW "home," so it seems safe to say WWE fans can throw aside any hopes of a WWE return for the time being. He's 55 years old, but a new look and revised gimmick suggest this is a long-term thing. 

BS Meter: 1

No big shock to think Jericho and AEW got together and at least revised a contract before booking his return. It still feels inevitable he'll retire within WWE someday, but he's clearly not ready to hang up the boots just yet. 

WrestleMania opening matches?

Rich Wade/WWE via Getty Images

The Rumor

The opening matches are always a big deal at 'Mania and this year certainly won't be different, based on the buzz. According to WrestleVotes (h/t Cageside Seats' Cain A. Knight), Saturday's opening match will be LA Knight and The Usos vs. IShowSpeed, Logan Paul and Austin Theory. Brock Lesnar and Oba Femi will open Night 2. 

Reaction

Card is always subject to change, of course. But the writeup notes that ESPN specifically asked for Lesnar's match to happen during the first hour so it airs on ESPN's network, maximizing eyeballs. 

BS Meter: 1

It always felt like Lesnar-Femi was going to open one of the nights. That's usually how the veteran rolls these days. It's a little disheartening that ESPN had a hand in it, but the silver lining is more casual fans than possible otherwise will get a look at Femi, who is very clearly one of the next big things in pro wrestling. 

Jelly Roll plans?

The Rumor

WWE might not be done throwing celebrities in the mix. According to Meltzer (h/t Knight), Jelly Roll will be in Cody Rhodes' corner for the showdown with Orton, which will have McAfee on that side. 

Reaction

That sound is hardcore pro wrestling fans letting out an exasperated sigh. The meta-narrative that ticket sales are bad continues to play a role in how the company books its main events. Jelly Roll is apparently the hoped-for solution of…someone. 

BS Meter: 1

Why not? After the McAfee surprise out of nowhere and whatever else the odd couple of WWE and TKO dream up gets tossed in, it's easy to see Jelly Roll getting added after his brief brush with the storyline already. It will…make for some funny pre-match graphics, at least?