SmackDown color commentator Pat McAfee is back behind the commentary desk, and according to the latest reports, there could be a lot more to the color commentator.
Rhea Ripley outsmarted everyone to win the Women’s Royal Rumble after being the first Superstar to enter the match. Bray Wyatt defeated LA Knight in the first Pitch Black match in company history. Cody Rhodes made his triumphant return as the final entrant in the Men’s Royal Rumble match and eliminated Gunther to earn a world title shot at WrestleMania 39 in Los Angeles.
The highlight of the show came when Sami Zayn turned on Roman Reigns, leading to one of the most talked about segments in recent history.
Another important moment happened at the beginning of the premium live event. SmackDown announcer Pat McAfee returned to the company after stepping down to host College Gameday on ESPN and received a great reaction from those in attendance.
According to a new report from Combat selection, McAfee’s return was kept secret from Michael Cole and Corey Graves. The 35-year-old was flown to the Alamodome on a private jet and was a surprise for his colleagues as well as wrestling fans.
The report further states that McAfee was originally considered for a spot in the Royal Rumble, but it did not come to fruition. WWE is reportedly hoping to have the former NFL star wrestle again this year, as he has been impressive in his matches for the company thus far.
He defeated Austin Theory at last year’s WrestleMania and defeated Happy Corbin at SummerSlam 2022.
Vince McMahon defeated Pat McAfee at WWE WrestleMania 38
Former WWE CEO Vince McMahon had an impromptu match against Pat McAfee last year at WrestleMania 38 in Dallas, Texas.
McAfee had just defeated Theory in a great match and Vince McMahon wasn’t letting the commentator enjoy the moment. The former CEO pulled off a cheap victory over a weakened McAfee, but he didn’t even have time to celebrate.
Right after the match, Stone Cold Steve Austin joined the party after his victory over Kevin Owens in the main event of Night 1 and delivered a Stunner to McMahon. Rattlesnake also hit Austin Theory and Pat McAfee with Stunners before exiting the ring.
The former NFL star has proven that he can more than hold his own in the ring. It will be interesting to see if he steps inside the squared circle again at WrestleMania 39 in Los Angeles.
Would you like to see Pat McAfee booked for a match at WrestleMania 39? Sound off in the comments section below.
Watch exclusive footage of the brawl that broke out at the WWE Royal Rumble press conference here