WWE President Nick Khan said the company intends to bring Pat McAfee back into its programming once the college football season concludes, signaling a likely reunion with one of its most popular on-air personalities.
Khan appeared on The Pat McAfee Show Wednesday and was pressed by the former NFL punter about a potential return to WWE. McAfee has been absent from his role as a commentator since June, stepping away as his schedule accelerated with ESPN’s coverage of college football.
During the appearance, Khan revealed that interest in McAfee’s status remains high inside WWE. He told McAfee that he received “six messages” during their interview from people asking about the timeline for his return. The offhand remark underscored just how much visibility and enthusiasm McAfee brings to WWE broadcasts.
“We’re going to bring you back,” Khan said. “I know you and I are going to sit together once college football slows a little bit.”
The message was clear: both sides are preparing for discussions as soon as McAfee’s fall commitments with college football are over. The timing aligns neatly with the sport’s calendar. College football enters conference championship weekend beginning Friday, with bowl season set to start soon after.
Once those obligations wrap, McAfee’s workload with ESPN’s College GameDay will ease, leaving room for potential WWE involvement.
McAfee’s move away from WWE in June was not framed as a departure, but rather a pause. The former Indianapolis Colts punter had quickly become a fan favorite after joining the company in 2021, offering high-energy commentary, comedic timing, and a strong connection to WWE’s core audience. His crossover profile — from NFL punter to media personality to occasional in-ring performer — also made him a unique asset as WWE has increasingly leaned into mainstream appeal.
For Khan, bringing McAfee back represents a chance to bolster WWE’s presentation at a moment when the company continues evolving its on-air product under the TKO umbrella.
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