Pat McAfee agrees to contract extension with WWE
Pat McAfee got a taste of the professional wrestling life and is never going back.
The former NFL punter turned media savant isn’t ready to turn his back on the squared circle, as he agreed to a contract extension with WWE, the company announced on Thursday.
“WWE today announced that Pat McAfee has signed a multiyear extension with WWE,” the company wrote. “Since April 2021, McAfee has served as an analyst, alongside Michael Cole, for Friday Night SmackDown at 8 pm ET live each week on FOX.
“The new pact will see McAfee entertaining the WWE Universe for years to come.”
The news was met with a supremely positive reaction, with McAfee’s aforementioned partner on commentary — Michael Cole — praising his partner.
“After 25 years in “the booth,” working with @PatMcAfeeShow is the highlight of each week,” tweeted Cole. “His excitement is contagious (even if he almost kicks me when standing on our table) and has helped revitalize my love for our business! @WWE, our fans, and I are lucky to have him!”
As you can see, the relationship between the WWE and Pat McAfee has been fruitful thus far, and the former NFL star isn’t going anywhere else when it comes to professional wrestling.
More on Pat McAfee, WWE
Moreover, Pat McAfee made an undeniable impact at WrestleMania 38, making a debut at the Showcase of the Immortals that no one will soon forget.
First, McAfee took on budding-star Austin Theory in a hard-hitting match. The former punter brought out moves you wouldn’t expect to see from a celebrity, like a superplex off the top rope. After countering Theory’s finisher — A-Town Down — McAfee rolled up the young star, capturing a victory.
Then, McAfee was challenged to a fight by Theory’s mentor — none other than WWE Chairman, Vince McMahon. McMahon shockingly returned to the ring, and got a victory over McAfee with help from Theory. However, that wasn’t all — as McMahon and Theory celebrated in the ring after the Chairman’s win, the music of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin hit.
That’s when the WWE Hall of Famer ran down to the ring and gave us a fantastic moment. Austin delivered a stunner to Theory that was picturesque, and one to McMahon that’ll be memorable, but certainly wasn’t beautiful. Austin then invited McAfee back into the ring for a beer, but you can never trust the Texas Rattlesnake.
Later, McAfee was seen laying on the ground, guzzling a beer for his sorrows. It became a gif we see used at a high rate nowadays.
As you can see, Pat McAfee had an insane night at AT&T Stadium for WrestleMania earlier this year. Additionally, he became just the third person in history to commentate and wrestle on the same night at WrestleMania. McAfee even did some commentary during his match with Theory.
The former punter has earned a bevy of new fans since joining WWE, and will continue to be welcomed back inside the squared circle whenever he wants.