Pat McAfee, Jelly Roll Have Heated Confrontation Ahead of WrestleMania 42

The two personalities clashed in a backstage video at WWE SmackDown in San Jose.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:05am

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An abstract close-up photograph of shimmering, jagged glass shards reflecting dramatic studio lighting, conveying the intensity of the confrontation between the two entertainment personalities.The heated backstage clash between ESPN's Pat McAfee and country star Jelly Roll hints at a potential showdown on the WrestleMania stage.San Jose Today

WWE aired footage of a heated confrontation between ESPN commentator Pat McAfee and country music star Jelly Roll backstage at Friday night's SmackDown event in San Jose. The altercation occurred just over a week before WrestleMania 42 is set to take place in Las Vegas.

Why it matters

Tensions are clearly high between McAfee and Jelly Roll heading into one of WWE's biggest annual events. Their confrontation could foreshadow a potential match-up or storyline development at WrestleMania, which is always a major draw for both casual and hardcore wrestling fans.

The details

The footage showed McAfee and Jelly Roll arguing in a hallway outside the SAP Center, where SmackDown was taking place. While the specifics of their dispute were not entirely clear, McAfee later made his way to the ring and called out CM Punk, referring to him as "spineless" and a "fraud."

  • Friday night's WWE Smackdown took place on April 11, 2026.
  • WrestleMania 42 is scheduled to begin on April 18, 2026 in Las Vegas.

The players

Pat McAfee

An ESPN commentator who has made several appearances with WWE in recent years.

Jelly Roll

A country music artist who has also been involved with WWE programming.

CM Punk

A former WWE champion who McAfee called out during the SmackDown broadcast.

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What they’re saying

“Spineless... fraud.”

— Pat McAfee, ESPN Commentator

What’s next

It remains to be seen if the confrontation between McAfee and Jelly Roll will lead to a match or further storyline development at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas.

The takeaway

The heated exchange between McAfee and Jelly Roll adds an extra layer of intrigue and anticipation heading into WWE's biggest annual event, as the two personalities appear to have a personal issue that could play out on the WrestleMania stage.