The popular sports personality has officially provided a sobering update regarding his future behind the commentary desk. Pat McAfee has revealed he won’t be returning to WWE television any time in the near future. During a recent Instagram Q&A on March 8, 2026, the commentator admitted that he currently feels as though the professional wrestling industry has moved on without him.
“I don’t think you ever say never, especially with WWE, but right now it does not feel like it is something that’s supposed to happen,” McAfee shared with his followers. “Feels like that business has kind of passed me by a little bit. Grew up loving it, dreamed of working it. I feel honored that I had the opportunity to work alongside the GOAT, Michael Cole, but I feel like he’s in a good spot without me. I’ll continue to watch.”
McAfee had been in the midst of his second successful run as an announcer on Monday Night Raw before stepping away in June 2025. At the time, he cited significant burnout and mental exhaustion as the primary reasons for his hiatus. While he has traditionally taken breaks from September through January to fulfill his ESPN College GameDay commitments, he has not returned to the announce table following the conclusion of the most recent football season.
Despite his absence from the weekly broadcasts, he has remained a vital bridge between mainstream sports and the squared circle. His daily program, The Pat McAfee Show, served as the platform for major announcements earlier this year. Notably, Brock Lesnar FaceTimed into the show this past January to officially declare his entry into the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble match.
The former NFL punter’s journey with the promotion began in 2018, and he eventually became a full-time color commentator in April 2021. His chemistry with Michael Cole was a highlight of the programming for several years, leading to multiple stints at the desk. He also proved his athleticism in the ring, competing in high-profile matches against the likes of Austin Theory and Baron Corbin.
His most recent in-ring encounter took place at the Backlash 2025 premium live event in St. Louis. On May 10, 2025, McAfee suffered a physical defeat at the hands of Gunther. The match was later featured in the second season of the “WWE Unreal” docuseries on Netflix, which highlighted the “Monster Among Men” choking out the commentator in a brutal finish. McAfee and his wife are also currently expecting their second child in June 2026, which likely factors into his decision to remain away from the demanding travel schedule.
While McAfee remains a fan from afar, the commentary landscape has continued to evolve in his absence. Michael Cole and Corey Graves currently lead the broadcast team for Monday Night Raw as the brand prepares for a massive transition to the Netflix platform. Meanwhile, Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett have anchored the Friday Night SmackDown booth on the USA Network. As the road to WrestleMania 42 reaches its peak at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, the WWE fans are eager to see if any of McAfee’s trademark energy will find its way back to the “Showcase of the Immortals” in a guest capacity this April.
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