Pat McAfee Set for WWE Comeback as Wrestlepalooza Kicks Off ESPN Deal

“Starting early, September 20, Wrestlepalooza, in the home of the one and only Pat McAfee, who’s like family to us. Pat will be there. He’s going to light the place up," Levesque said. "It’s going to be exciting. Indianapolis, we were just there for the Royal Rumble. 70,000 fans there. It was incredible, so we’re looking forward to being back there.”

Pat McAfee Steps Back Into the Spotlight

McAfee was last seen at Money in the Bank, working alongside Michael Cole and Wade Barrett. Shortly afterward, he left WWE programming, citing mental exhaustion , with Corey Graves taking over the Raw commentary desk.

During his time away, McAfee has focused on his usual ESPN responsibilities, including appearing on College GameDay and leading the world-renowned Pat McAfee Show.

For Wrestlepalooza, it is still unclear how McAfee will be involved in the show and which role he will take. It's fair to assume he will be present in a commentary role, though WWE has not confirmed whether his involvement will extend beyond th is one-night return, if he will grace some in-ring action, or any other plans about his short- and long-term future within the promotion.

McAfee's comeback, however, will take place at an event in Indianapolis, the city where he played eight NFL seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, adding a personal element to his homecoming even if that's not his hometown, given he's a native of Plum, Pennsylvania.

ESPN Partnership Launches With Blockbuster Card

Wrestlepalooza marks the first WWE Premium Live Event to stream exclusively on ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer platform.

The event will be headlined by John Cena, Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, CM Punk, and Drew McIntyre.

Mike Johnson of PWInsider reported on Thursday that Cena is expected to face Brock Lesnar, while Rhodes is slated to defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against McIntyre.

“On September 20, WWE and ESPN are coming together for a can’t-miss event to kick off our new partnership,” Levesque said. “The biggest Superstars in WWE. The biggest brand in sports media. Are you ready?”

Why Pat McAfee’s WWE Return Matters

McAfee’s comeback provides WWE with some crossover appeal during a pivotal moment for the promotion. His dual role with ESPN and WWE, where he has prior experience working, positioning McAfee as a symbolic figure who connects two major sports-entertainment platforms.

McAfee's return in Indianapolis also ties WWE’s strategy to a city that set a Royal Rumble attendance record, drawing 70,347 fans to Lucas Oil Stadium on Feb. 2, 2025.

For WWE, McAfee’s presence will also bolster the broadcast team at a time when the company is competing directly with AEW’s All Out event, scheduled on the same night.