When Pat McAfee joined the SmackDown commentary booth in 2021, it was a jolt of energy for WWE, who was struggling during the pandemic era. It also helped to revitalize the career of Michael Cole. McAfee's enthusiastic passion brought so much excitement to SmackDown, so when it was announced last year that he'd be taking a short break from WWE to work for ESPN College GameDay during the football season, fans were disappointed. Thankfully, his temporary replacement, Wade Barrett, has excelled on SmackDown. Over two months after the college football season ended, however, McAfee has yet to return to WWE outside of a one time appearance at the Royal Rumble.
In an interview with the Daily Star, Barrett gave an update on his role with SmackDown. "Historically things have always been switched around and teams have been moved from here to there, and I’m not saying I’m going to be in the SmackDown hot seat for the next ten years or anything like that. But in terms of the foreseeable, it’s going to be me and Cole going forward." (h/t WrestlingNews.co)
That confirmed what McAfee has said himself, stating that he was taking time away from WWE as he pursued other ventures and prepared for impending fatherhood. He also wondered on Twitter if he would even want to work for WWE's potential new owners.
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Pat McAfee Responds To Rumors About His WWE Future
Pat McAfee took to Twitter to address his WWE status, saying, "A lot of wrestling chatter about me right now.. I think about wrestling everyday..that dream isn’t done. My business is currently rather active and exigent…+ baby on the way…timing is everything I still have MASSIVE plans for my journey to the WWE HOF someday. Believe that."
Pat McAfee has been missed not just for his commentary and mainstream appeal, but for his wrestling ability as well. Had he been with WWE right now, he surely would be performing at WrestleMania this year. He has put on phenomenal matches in the past with Adam Cole in NXT and Theory at last year's WrestleMania 38, which ending with McAfee sharing the ring with Vince McMahon and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.
Wade Barrett has been excellent doing SmackDown commentary, but no one can match the energy of Pat McAfee. Hopefully we're back to hearing his voice on our TVs sooner rather than later.
