TKO Aims to Turn Pat McAfee into Next Sylvester Stallone

McAfee set to star opposite Stallone in Paramount+ show, take on new acting roles

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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According to a new report, TKO CEO Ari Emanuel is working to transform WWE and media personality Pat McAfee into the next Sylvester Stallone. McAfee is slated to appear in four episodes of the Paramount+ series "Tulsa King" alongside Stallone, as well as take on a role as a drill instructor in an upcoming Netflix film "The Mosquito Bowl." Meanwhile, there are also reports that McAfee is expected to return to WWE soon.

Why it matters

McAfee's transition from sports entertainment to Hollywood could mark a significant career shift, as TKO looks to cultivate new acting talent beyond traditional routes. This move also highlights the growing crossover between the worlds of wrestling, media, and mainstream entertainment.

The details

TKO CEO Ari Emanuel is spearheading the effort to position Pat McAfee as the next big action star, similar to how Sylvester Stallone rose to fame. McAfee will appear in four episodes of the Paramount+ series "Tulsa King" opposite Stallone, as well as take on the role of a drill instructor in the upcoming Netflix film "The Mosquito Bowl." Separately, there are reports that McAfee is expected to return to WWE in the near future, though the specifics of his involvement are unclear.

  • McAfee is set to appear in four episodes of "Tulsa King" on Paramount+ in 2026.
  • McAfee will play a drill instructor role in the Netflix film "The Mosquito Bowl", which is currently in production.

The players

Ari Emanuel

The CEO of TKO, the talent agency that represents Pat McAfee and is working to transform him into the next Sylvester Stallone.

Pat McAfee

A former NFL player and current media personality who is transitioning into acting, with roles in the Paramount+ series "Tulsa King" and the Netflix film "The Mosquito Bowl." McAfee is also expected to return to WWE soon.

Sylvester Stallone

The veteran action star who will co-star with Pat McAfee in the Paramount+ series "Tulsa King." TKO is aiming to mold McAfee's career trajectory after Stallone's success.

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What they’re saying

“We must turn Pat McAfee into the next Sylvester Stallone. The world is ready for a new action hero, and Pat has the charisma and talent to fill that role.”

— Ari Emanuel, CEO, TKO (Bloomberg)

What’s next

McAfee's acting roles in "Tulsa King" and "The Mosquito Bowl" will be closely watched to see if TKO can successfully transition him into a leading man in Hollywood, similar to Stallone's career trajectory.

The takeaway

TKO's efforts to recast Pat McAfee as the next big action star highlight the entertainment industry's constant search for new talent and the growing crossover between sports, media, and mainstream Hollywood. McAfee's success or failure in these upcoming acting roles could set the tone for how wrestlers and sports personalities are viewed as potential leading men in the future.