Former NFL punter and sports media personality, Pat McAfee, has opened up about his recent hiatus from the WWE Raw commentary table.
McAfee has been a valuable member of the promotion’s commentary team in recent years, with his boisterous personality and unique energy adding a different dimension to Monday night’s coverage.
However, following a busy couple of months, he has been missing from the show in recent weeks.
McAfee made a rare in-ring appearance against Gunther at WWE Backlash in May, a match that garnered a mixed reception from fans. The former Indianapolis Colts kicker showed a lack of physicality and technique in the bout, but managed to hold his own in his first match in over a year.
After a hectic few weeks, McAfee took some time off to recharge, as he revealed: “[I've been] continuing to, like, kinda catch up on life as a whole. Post-Money in the Bank, pre-Night of Champions, [I] was getting pretty exhausted there. So, shoutout to everybody at WWE for looking out for me, too. Very, very thankful."
Wade Barrett and Cody Graves have both stepped in for McAfee at the commentator’s desk alongside Michael Cole.
Pat McAfee's Popularity Has Skyrocketed in Recent Years
He's certainly being missed on Monday Night Raw
Michael Cole and Pat McAfee
The need for rest should come as little surprise, with McAfee likely not used to the level of training that would have been required for his bout at Backlash. McAfee’s in-ring resume is by no means extensive. Since joining the promotion back in 2018, he has competed just seven times. His lack of experience and conditioning was evident in his match with Gunther, where he struggled to deliver a convincing offence even with assistance from his co-commentator.
But McAfee’s stardom comes not from wrestling ability. The host of The Pat McAfee Show has exploded in popularity in the 2020s, thanks to a loud and unafraid persona and no fear of letting his opinions be known. This has translated well to the WWE, and McAfee has become a recognisable part of Monday Night Raw.
While no concrete information has surfaced regarding a return, McAfee has missed the last five episodes of Raw. Fans will be hoping he can return recharged and ready to get back on the mic as SummerSlam approaches.
John Cena Related
WWE Legend Names 3 Superstars John Cena Allegedly Got Fired
According to Rob Van Dam, John Cena is responsible for the firings of three former WWE Superstars.