While there were some rumors that Pat McAfee was expected to return to WWE television soon after a long hiatus that began in mid-2025, that may no longer be the case. Although he remains under a multi-year WWE contract, he stepped away after Money in the Bank 2025 due to burnout and to focus on his commitments with ESPN’s College GameDay and The Pat McAfee Show.
His most recent in-ring match was against GUNTHER at Backlash on May 10, 2025. Reports in January 2026 noted that WWE was planning for his return during the Road to WrestleMania now that the college football season has ended. McAfee also continues to play a key role connecting WWE and ESPN, especially after the 2026 deal that made ESPN+ the exclusive U.S. home for WWE pay-per-view event.
Despite this, McAfee recently commented on his WWE future. He said,
“Will I be returning to the WWE in the future? I don’t think you ever say never, you know? Especially with WWE. But right now it does not feel like it is something that is supposed to happen. It feels like that business has kind of passed me by a little bit … I grew up lovin’ it. Dreamed of workin’ it. Feel honored that I had the opportunity to work alongside the G.O.A.T Michael Cole. But I feel like the biz is in a good spot without me and I’ll continue to watch.”
There is no word on if he’s working with this, as WWE is often known to bring him back as a surprise.
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