NFL World Has Mixed Reactions to Pat McAfee's WrestleMania 42 Performance

ESPN commentator's involvement in the main event drew polarizing responses from the football and wrestling communities.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 6:18am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the chaotic main event of WrestleMania 42, with abstract geometric shapes and planes representing the figures of Pat McAfee, Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and Jelly Roll in a dynamic, multi-perspective composition.The chaotic intersection of sports entertainment and mainstream celebrity at WrestleMania 42 leaves lasting impressions, both positive and negative, on the wrestling world.Las Vegas Today

Former NFL punter and ESPN personality Pat McAfee found himself in the middle of Saturday night's main event at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas, playing a role in the match between WWE champion Cody Rhodes and challenger Randy Orton. However, McAfee's appearance didn't get rave reviews from those in attendance or watching on TV, with many in the NFL and wrestling worlds criticizing the move as forced and unnecessary.

Why it matters

McAfee's involvement in the WrestleMania main event was seen by many as a transparent attempt by WWE to promote one of ESPN's main personalities, blurring the lines between sports entertainment and traditional sports coverage. This sparked debate about the direction of WWE and whether it is straying too far from its core wrestling product to chase mainstream attention.

The details

McAfee interjected himself in the beginning of the match, got put through a table by singer Jelly Roll, and then was stretchered out. Later, McAfee returned and ran down the long ramp after WWE referee Charles Robinson was knocked out. The moment was heavily criticized on social media, with many questioning the need for McAfee's involvement and whether it detracted from the main event.

  • The WrestleMania 42 event took place on Saturday, April 19, 2026 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
  • McAfee was involved in the main event match between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton.

The players

Pat McAfee

A former NFL punter who is currently an ESPN commentator, McAfee was inserted into the main event match at WrestleMania 42 in a controversial move that drew mixed reactions.

Cody Rhodes

The reigning WWE champion who was defending his title against Randy Orton in the main event match at WrestleMania 42.

Randy Orton

The challenger who faced off against Cody Rhodes for the WWE championship in the main event at WrestleMania 42.

Jelly Roll

A singer who put Pat McAfee through a table during his involvement in the main event match.

Charles Robinson

The WWE referee who was knocked out during the main event, leading to Pat McAfee's return to the match.

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What they’re saying

“Wrestling fans help me out... are they even trying anymore? Or being married to ESPN now they are stuck with the branding stuff...”

— Mark Nagi, Author of 'Decade of Dysfunction: The Road to Tennessee's Crazy Coaching Search'

“Is this really what wrestling has come to?”

— Phil Doucet, Podcaster

“Sad day when pro wrestlers aren't good enough to make people watch, so you have to use celebrities from other professions to gain viewers... I miss the attitude era.”

— Anonymous User

“Who is asking for this?”

— Lindsey Ok, National NFL Analyst

“McAfee!!!!”

— Dan Orlovsky, ESPN NFL Analyst

What’s next

WrestleMania 42 will continue on Sunday, April 20, 2026 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

The takeaway

Pat McAfee's involvement in the WrestleMania 42 main event highlighted the ongoing tension between traditional wrestling fans and WWE's efforts to appeal to a mainstream audience by incorporating non-wrestling personalities. This move was seen by many as a transparent attempt at cross-promotion that detracted from the core wrestling product, sparking debate about the future direction of the company.