Pat McAfee WWE Return Plans

WWE

Despite vowing to never return to WWE if Randy Orton lost at WrestleMania 42, there’s always a chance Pat McAfee makes a comeback.

While it might not necessarily happen any time soon, there are several routes back for McAfee to return to WWE in an on-screen role.

Here are five potential return plans for Pat McAfee in WWE.

5. Bring In Stephen A Smith

While there was some push-back regarding Pat McAfee’s most recent appearances in WWE, there is another ESPN name that could be sliding in soon.

With rumblings that fellow notable ESPN host Stephen A Smith could be making an on-screen appearance in WWE in the future, it could be the perfect crossover.

Positioning Smith as the babyface to McAfee’s dastardly heel, the celeb involvement could end up being a fun added element to WWE’s partnership with ESPN.

Adding the famed sports pundit to the mix for a SummerSlam program could bring about media buzz and a solid reason to bring back McAfee.

4. Tag Team With Jelly Roll

Although he seemed to announce the end of his in-ring WWE career after WrestleMania 42, there could definitely be reasons to see Pat McAfee get back into the squared circle.

While there have been no formal plans announced for WrestleMania 44, there have been rumblings that the city of Nashville, Tennessee is in talks to host a future edition of the event.

With the destination party culture of Nashville approaching that of New Orleans or Las Vegas in recent history, crossovers with the country music capital could make complete sense.

Giving enough room for fans to warm back up to the idea of McAfee by the time Spring 2028 rolls around, perhaps Pat could be tempted back into in-ring action alongside Jelly Roll.

3. Commentary With Michael Cole

While Pat McAfee has noted that he believes his time on WWE commentary may be done, the age old trope of ‘never say never’ seemingly rings true.

Certainly with his on-screen relationship with Michael Cole in need of rehabbing, perhaps there will be a return of McAfee in the future in regards to his former broadcast partner.

With the duo having a fan favorite friendship throughout their time at the desk together having taken a sharp turn in McAfee’s recently heelish return with Randy Orton, there is an unfinished story that can still be explored.

2. Reunion With Randy Orton

While the end of Randy Orton’s bout against Cody Rhodes at WWE WrestleMania 42 didn’t see a change in champion, it also left mystery for the future.

With Rhodes being attacked after the match by Randy Orton who went on to stand tall, Orton has yet to return.

Since Cody is contending with GUNTHER in the interim, it would make a lot of sense to see Orton make a big return with his sights still set on a record breaking championship victory.

Potentially arriving along with the return of Pat McAfee, the storyline that was seemingly abandoned could be picked back up again ahead of SummerSlam.

1. Hosting A WWE Podcast

While Pat McAfee is certainly a busy man with all of his other media and broadcasting obligations, there could be a way to integrate him back into the world of WWE.

With names like Logan Paul, Cody Rhodes and Stephanie McMahon hosting their own official WWE podcasts, it could be that the return of McAfee comes by way of a new show.

Able to leverage his excitement for wrestling as a fan rather than becoming a character himself, McAfee could offer his unique and lively perspective on WWE news and updates similarly to the way he brings current events regarding other sports on his own Pat McAfee Show.

Hosting a light-hearted and topical news show could be the perfect blend of McAfee’s strengths as an entertaining pundit with genuine enthusiasm for the WWE brand.

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