Pat McAfee Announces Departure from WWE Commentary Role

The popular commentator says he feels the business has "passed him by" ahead of WrestleMania 42.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Pat McAfee, the former NFL punter turned popular WWE commentator, has announced that he is stepping away from his role with the company. In an Instagram Story, McAfee told a fan that he doesn't "think you ever say never" when it comes to a potential WWE return, but that he feels the business has "kind of passed me by a little bit." McAfee expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside Michael Cole, but said he believes the WWE's commentary team is in a good place without him.

Why it matters

McAfee's departure is a notable loss for the WWE, as he had become a fan-favorite addition to the commentary team in recent years. His charismatic and energetic style helped bring a fresh perspective to the broadcasts. However, with McAfee's growing commitments to ESPN and other projects, it seems the demands of a full-time WWE schedule have become too much, leading him to step away ahead of the company's biggest event, WrestleMania 42.

The details

McAfee was last seen on WWE commentary during the recent Wrestlepalooza event in his hometown of Indianapolis. That appearance seemed to be a farewell of sorts, as the commentator acknowledged that it "does not feel like it is something...it feels like that business has kind of passed me by a little bit." McAfee noted that he is honored to have worked alongside Michael Cole, but believes the WWE's commentary team can thrive without him, citing the potential pairings of Cole with Corey Graves, Wade Barrett, or Joe Tessitore.

  • McAfee last appeared on WWE commentary during Wrestlepalooza in Indianapolis in March 2026.
  • WrestleMania 42 is scheduled for April 18-19, 2026 in Las Vegas.

The players

Pat McAfee

A former NFL punter who has become a popular WWE commentator in recent years, but has now announced he is stepping away from that role.

Michael Cole

The longtime lead commentator for WWE, who McAfee expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside.

Corey Graves

A WWE commentator who could potentially take on a larger role alongside Michael Cole following McAfee's departure.

Wade Barrett

A former WWE wrestler who has also worked as a commentator and could be paired with Michael Cole.

Joe Tessitore

An ESPN personality who has also done commentary work for WWE and could potentially join the team.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think you ever say never, especially with WWE, but right now it does not feel like it is something...it feels like that business has kind of passed me by a little bit. I grew up loving it, dreamed of working it, feel honored that I had the opportunity to work alongside the GOAT Michael Cole, but I feel the business is in a good spot without me. I'll continue to watch.”

— Pat McAfee (Instagram)

What’s next

With McAfee's departure, the WWE will need to determine how to fill the void on its commentary team ahead of WrestleMania 42. Potential options include elevating existing commentators like Corey Graves or bringing in new faces like ESPN's Joe Tessitore.

The takeaway

Pat McAfee's exit from the WWE commentary team is a significant loss for the company, as he had become a fan-favorite addition in recent years. However, McAfee's growing commitments outside of wrestling have made maintaining a full-time WWE schedule too demanding, leading him to step away. The WWE will now need to find a way to replace McAfee's energy and charisma on their broadcasts, but the commentator believes the team is in a good position to succeed without him.