Pat McAfee has cast uncertainty over his future with WWE as WrestleMania 42 nears. After stepping away from his WWE commentary role in July 2025 due to exhaustion from balancing his WWE and ESPN duties, McAfee has not resumed regular work with the promotion since a one-time appearance at Wrestlepalooza 2025. While reports had speculated on a possible return to WWE television, McAfee’s recent statements during the NFL Free Agency edition of The Pat McAfee Show suggest he may not be coming back anytime soon.
In response to fan questions on Instagram, McAfee indicated that returning to WWE
“does not feel like it is something that’s supposed to happen.”
He acknowledged his gratitude for having worked alongside Michael Cole, calling him the “GOAT,” but feels that the wrestling business might have moved past him. This sentiment raises questions about whether McAfee is closing the door on his WWE commentary career despite previous hopes.
“Will I be returning to the WWE in the future? 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. It feels like that business has kind of passed me by a little bit,”
Pat McAfee said.
“Grew up loving it, dreamed to work in it, feel honored that I had the opportunity to work alongside the GOAT Michael Cole, but I feel like the biz is in a good spot without me. I’ll continue to watch.”
Speculation Surrounds McAfee’s WWE Status Before Major Event
With WrestleMania 42 approaching, WWE is expected to leverage all available talent, especially as the event will be streamed on ESPN’s platform in the United States for the first time. Given Pat McAfee’s ties to both WWE and ESPN, many fans anticipated his involvement either on commentary or as part of the broadcast. However, McAfee’s recent comments seem to contradict these expectations and suggest he may be stepping away from the wrestling spotlight to focus on other commitments, possibly related to his growing presence in Hollywood.
Some speculate McAfee might be intentionally vague or managing fan expectations, but his statement that the wrestling business may have “passed me by” indicates a more definitive shift in his career direction. The extent of his involvement with WWE in the near future remains uncertain, especially as his new priorities could conflict with his previous role in the promotion.
“Right now it does not feel like it is something that’s supposed to happen. Feels like that business has kind of passed me by a little bit. I feel like business in…”
Pat McAfee stated on his Instagram, signaling his current distance from WWE commentary duties.
Implications for Pat McAfee’s Role in WWE Moving Forward
Pat McAfee’s apparent reluctance to return to WWE commentary has significant implications for both the promotion and fans. As one of WWE’s more prominent commentators, McAfee has helped bridge audiences by combining insider wrestling knowledge with a charismatic on-air presence. His potential departure leaves uncertainty about who might fill that role in upcoming WWE broadcasts.
Moreover, McAfee’s shifting focus may reflect WWE’s evolving landscape and the challenges talent faces in balancing external opportunities. As WrestleMania 42 gains more visibility through ESPN’s streaming service, WWE’s commentary team will be under greater scrutiny, making McAfee’s absence more noticeable. Fans and insiders alike will watch closely whether McAfee ultimately returns or fully commits to his expanding media and entertainment ventures outside wrestling.
Pat McAfee revealed on his IG that he’s not returning to WWE anytime soon and may even be done with commentary.
“Right now it does not feel like it is something that’s supposed to happen. Feels like that business has kind of passed me by a little bit. I feel like business in… pic.twitter.com/p6qFPd1wYU
— EliteRockerz 𝕏 (@EliteClubS0B) March 9, 2026
