Pat McAfee

Patrick Justin McAfee is an American business owner, sports analyst, professional wrestler, professional wrestling colour commentator, and former football punter and kickoff specialist. McAfee is currently signed with WWE. He is a colour commentator on SmackDown.

Early Life

Pat McAfee's real name is Patrick Justin McAfee. Hailing from Plum, Pennsylvania, Patrick McAfee, born May 2, 1987, to Tim and Sally McAfee, displayed a natural athletic talent from a young age. He actively participated in varsity soccer, volleyball, and football throughout his high school years, attracting college interest across all three sports.

McAfee's punting prowess shone early, evident in his national Punt, Pass, and Kick championship win during his sophomore year. His senior year saw him take a bold gamble – using winnings from a local poker game (legality unspecified), he traveled to Miami for a national field goal competition. His impressive display - nine consecutive successful kicks starting at 25 yards and increasing in distance - ended just short of a 70-yard attempt. Despite the final miss, his talent caught the eye of West Virginia's recruiting coordinator, Tony Gibson, who offered him a scholarship opportunity.

Professional Wrestling Career

WWE

Early Appearances and NXT (2018-2021)

In 2018, McAfee began appearing on TakeOver events as a pre-show analyst. Later, he began hosting live watch-along of WWE PPVs throughout the year. Several superstars would appear on the show. After an interaction with Vince McMahon, McAfee appeared on more shows and events.n McAfee's radio show, he began a rivalry with Adam Cole. McAfee would later cost The Undisputed Era an opportunity at the NXT Tag Team Championship. After a few wars of words, McAfee punted Adam Cole and was taken out of the building. At NXT TakeOver XXX, McAfee lost to Adam Cole but received several praises for his performance.

A month later, McAfee hired Danny Burch, Oney Lorcan, and Pete Dunn to take out The Undisputed Era. At War Games 2020, Team McAfee lost to The Undisputed Era in a War Games match. Thus, ended his rivalry with Adam Cole.

Commentator and occasional wrestler (2021-present)

In April 2021, Pat McAfee transitioned to the SmackDown brand as a color commentator alongside Michael Cole. This shift saw him excel in his commentary role. March 2022 brought a memorable moment on his radio show, "The Pat McAfee Show," where he interviewed Vince McMahon. During the interview, McMahon surprisingly offered McAfee a match at WrestleMania.

At WrestleMania 38, McAfee delivered a strong performance, defeating Theory. Emboldened by his victory, he challenged McMahon to an impromptu match, which McMahon ultimately won. The night didn't end there, as Theory and McMahon continued their assault on McAfee until Stone Cold Steve Austin intervened, delivering his signature "Stone Cold Stunner" to all three. McAfee's next on-screen rivalry was with Baron Corbin, culminating in a decisive victory for McAfee at SummerSlam.

In September 2023, WWE announced McAfee's temporary leave to join ESPN's College GameDay. He promised to return to WWE once his commitment to the show concludes.

Pat McAfee's recent WWE appearances have been marked by surprise and quick bursts of action. He made a surprise commentating comeback at the 2023 Royal Rumble just before the men's match. At WrestleMania 39, he returned again, challenging The Miz to a match and securing a swift victory with the help of co-host Snoop Dogg officiating. His most recent surprise came at the 2024 Royal Rumble, where he joined as a commentator and even entered the match as the 22nd entrant. However, his stint in the Rumble was short-lived as he quickly eliminated himself. He later revealed he wasn't informed beforehand about being in the match. Capping off this string of surprise appearances, McAfee made his full-time return to WWE on Raw just two days later, joining the Raw commentary team alongside Michael Cole.

Pat McAfee's Wife

Pat McAfee is married to Samantha McAfee. The couple got married to each other in 2020 and became wonderful parents to an awesome daughter in 2023, whom they named Mackenzie. Samantha McAfee runs her NGO and works for the betterment of the society.