McAfee & Redmond Preview Mania, Stanley Cup!

McAfee & Redmond Preview Mania, Stanley Cup!

The Pat McAfee Show was buzzing this week with a special guest, WWE insider and NHL expert Jackie Redmond. They dove headfirst into the drama surrounding WrestleMania 42 and the electrifying NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. The conversation kicked off with a look at some unusual office security footage, featuring Cody Rhodes making a rather unconventional entrance.

WrestleMania 42: Cody Rhodes’ Bold Entrance and the Road to Mania

The show opened with AJ Hawk recounting an incident where Cody Rhodes apparently scaled a gate and entered the office. “I genuinely wonder what the plan was if we don’t have the traitor,” Jackie Redmond commented, referring to DeBone’s actions that day. She questioned the security, stating, “Cody Rhodes should not be able to jump over our gate. No way. Randy Orton, for sure, he can jump over our gate. Okay, not Cody Rhodes.” This set the stage for the intense build-up to WrestleMania 42, with Pat McAfee hinting at his involvement with Randy Orton, aiming to “save the business.”

“I think brewing is putting it lightly, especially over the last few weeks,” Redmond said about the WWE storylines. “And I, you know, I don’t want to make it all about what’s going on with you and Randy, but what one of the things that I do love about WWE is when we go from everything being sort of black and white to being very gray.”

Redmond also revealed that WWE legend Eddie Olczyk is firmly in Pat McAfee’s corner. “Edzo is in fact team Randy and Pat. He’s for some reason irritated with Cody Rhodes,” she reported, adding a touch of humor to the ongoing rivalries.

The Undercard and Main Event Mayhem at WrestleMania

The discussion then shifted to the stacked WrestleMania card. While CM Punk and Roman Reigns are set for the main event, Redmond expressed particular excitement for the match between Brock Lesnar and Omos. “I’m so pumped, especially for Omos. Like this match is going to be insane,” she exclaimed. Redmond praised Omos as a “bonafide effing superstar” and a “monster” who is a major draw for the event.

“If you’re watching and you’re a casual wrestling fan, you don’t know Omos, like he is a reason to pay the price of admission at WrestleMania,” Redmond stated. She also noted the intrigue surrounding Pat McAfee’s potential role alongside Randy Orton against Cody Rhodes, hinting at unexpected twists. “Nobody saw you coming. So what else is there that we might not see coming?”

NHL Playoffs: A Wild Race to the Stanley Cup

The conversation then turned to the NHL, with Redmond offering her expert analysis on the upcoming Stanley Cup Playoffs. She highlighted the increasing popularity of hockey, especially after the exciting Olympic final between USA and Canada, predicting a similar level of excitement for the playoffs. “Even the most casual hockey fan will say like Stanley Cup playoffs are the best,” Redmond said. “The first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, it’s chaos, it’s drama, it’s physical, it’s feisty.”

Redmond pointed out the unique landscape in the Eastern Conference this year, with several perennial contenders like the Panthers, Maple Leafs, and Rangers missing the postseason. This opens the door for potential upsets and “Cinderella runs.” The Buffalo Sabres, making their first playoff appearance in a long time, were highlighted as a major story, led by GM Kevyn Adams.

In the Western Conference, the Colorado Avalanche, led by Nathan MacKinnon, are seen as top contenders. Redmond even mentioned the slim possibility of a first-round matchup between MacKinnon and Connor McDavid, which she described as “wild.” However, she also noted the brutal path for teams in the Central Division, where the winner will likely face Colorado after a tough opening-round series.

John Tortorella Ignites the Vegas Golden Knights

A significant storyline discussed was the impact of John Tortorella taking over as head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights. Since his arrival, the team has been on a hot streak, going undefeated. “I actually think it’s massive because Vegas has really been underwhelming all year long,” Redmond explained. She praised Tortorella’s coaching style, known for its intensity and accountability.

“He’s a hard-nosed coach. He will tell you like it is. He tells you straight, no BS. And sometimes you’re going to like it and sometimes you’re not going to like it, but at least you know that he’s always being real with you,” Redmond stated about Tortorella.

The hosts agreed that Tortorella’s direct approach, while demanding, often leads to success. His ability to get the most out of his players, even in underdog situations like his past success with the Columbus Blue Jackets, makes the Golden Knights a dangerous team heading into the playoffs. The team’s renewed energy and improved performance under Tortorella have made them a formidable opponent, despite their earlier struggles.

Source: WrestleMania 42 and Stanley Cup Playoffs preview with Jackie Redmond | The Pat McAfee Show (YouTube)