Pat McAfee returns to his WWE ringside seat after announcing his return to professional wrestling as a color commentator in 2025.
The global leader in sports entertainment has signed a massive 10-year deal worth $5 billion to stream flagship show Monday Night Raw on Netflix. The streaming platform will also broadcast its PPVs and other content throughout the company.
On Wednesday, the ESPN host took to social media to express his excitement for what will reportedly be a full-time gig in 2025.
“It’s an absolute honor to be asked back.” wrote in X. “A childhood dream come true every time I’m lucky enough to be in an arena with the @WWE Universe.”
“I can’t wait to speak on a microphone with @MichaelCole again,” he added. ‘He is 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 devote more time to ESPN’s College GameDay.
Pat McAfee will return to commentary duties on Monday Night Raw as WWE moves to Netflix
McAfee announced his new arrangement with the promotion as he returns alongside Michael Cole
The ESPN presenter has also participated in work inside the ring during his previous stints.
As the NCAA and NFL schedules wind down, McAfee will trade his busy weekend mornings for Monday nights on Raw. It is believed that his first shift will be on January 6.
McAfee’s return will affect the involvement of ESPN personality Joe Tessitore, who assumed his role on Raw after his departure in August. With McAfee and Cole returning to Raw, it is believed that Tessitore will head to Smackdown on Friday nights on the US network.
Netflix is hoping to bounce back with its deal with WWE after the fight between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson didn’t work out from a technical and material standpoint.
In addition to Battle of the Generations being a 16-minute replay fest, the broadcast experienced delays, prompting an outcry from viewers.
However, McAfee remained excited about the opportunity to be part of WWE’s historic adventure from television to streaming.
‘I’m excited to tell the global audience on Netflix how great WWE Superstars are…. and what great bastards some of them are too,’ he added. ‘Come on.’
McAfee brings more than just his energetic commentary to the WWE show having participated in in-ring work in the past.