Pat McAfee is taking his seat back next to the WWE ring after announcing his return to pro wrestling as a color commentator in 2025.
The world leader in sports entertainment inked a massive 10-year deal worth $5billion to air the marquee show Monday Night Raw on Netflix. The streaming platform will also air their pay-per-views and other content across the company.
On Wednesday, the ESPN host took to social media to express his excitement on what is reported to be a full-time gig in 2025.
‘An absolute honor to be asked back,’ he wrote on X. ‘A childhood dream realized every single time I’m lucky enough to be in an arena with the @WWE Universe.’
‘Can’t wait to be talking into a microphone next to @MichaelCole again,’ he added. ‘He’s the [GOAT].’
McAfee has sporadically performed broadcast duties for WWE alongside Michael Cole over the years. However, he left the promotion earlier this fall to dedicate more time to ESPN’s College GameDay.
Pat McAfee will return to his commentary duties on Monday Night Raw as WWE moves to Netflix
McAfee announced his new arrangement with the promotion as he returns next to Michael Cole
The ESPN host has also participated in works inside the ring during his previous stints
As the NCAA and NFL schedules wind down, McAfee will trade his busy weekend mornings for Monday evenings on Raw. His first shift is believed to be on January 6.
McAfee’s return will affect the involvement of fellow ESPN personality Joe Tessitore, who took over his role on Raw after his departure in August. With McAfee and Cole returning to Raw, Tessitore is believed to head to Smackdown on Friday nights on the USA network.
Netflix hopes to bounce back with their WWE deal after the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight failed to deliver from a technical and material standpoint.
Apart from the battle of generations being a 16-minute snooze fest, the stream experienced delays, which caused an outcry from viewers.
Nonetheless, McAfee remained excited about the opportunity to be part of WWE’s historical venture from television to streaming.
‘I’m excited to tell the worldwide audience on Netflix how great the WWE Superstars are…. and how big of scumbags some of ‘em are too,’ he added. ‘Let’s go.’
McAfee brings more than his energetic commentary to WWE’s program having participated in in-ring works in the past.
