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Pat McAfee Made Huge Wrestling Announcement Monday

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Apr 29, 2025 10:55 AM ET

ESPN's Pat McAfee has had plenty of fun serving as one of the color commentators on WWE's content. But on Monday, he made a big announcement about his wrestling future.

During last night's episode of Monday Night RAW, McAfee announced that he would be returning to the wrestling ring to take on Gunther, who choked him out during the prior week's show. He gave an impassioned, profanity-filled speech

"This past week has made me look in the mirror and realize some things: That I'm still that dog that was born in the east hills of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that was trying to go paycheck to paycheck. I am a man that wasn't handed a lot in his life," McAfee declared.

"When I die, and I'm six feet in the dirt, I hope they say, ‘ That guy was an incredibly hard worker that worked his ass off. Not only for himself, but for his friends, his family and his community… When I’m dead I'm gone, they will say that I was a loyal Mother (expletive)!"

"When I'm dead and gone, they will say I was a loyal MOTHERF**KER." – Pat McAfee

Pat McAfee just delivered one of the GREATEST promos I've ever watched. Wow.

I'VE GOT LEGIT GOOSEBUMPS #WWERaw
pic.twitter.com/NaJvKUReOZ
— EliteRockerz (@EliteClubS0B) April 29, 2025

McAfee is no stranger to getting into the ring, though his wrestling experience is a bit limited. He made some sporadic appearances in WWE between 2018 and 2020 before becoming a broadcaster in 2021.

Since 2021, McAfee has made only a couple of cameo appearances in the ring, with his most recent one coming in the 2024 WWE Royal Rumble. He entered 22nd in that match but didn't even get physical with anyone, exiting the match after less than a minute.

Fans have praised McAfee for his ability to cut a promo:

"This made me tear up it was so damn good."

"This was great, and he meant every word. I don't understand why the IWC hates him. He's hilarious and a great guy."

"He gets it, his success has always felt organic and authentic."

"I wouldn't say one of the greatest but pat is VERY good at cutting a heel or babyface promo. Ppl just hate him irl to give him credit for what he is good at."

McAfee's opponent, Gunther, is a former World Heavyweight Championship title holder and widely considered one of the best in-ring competitors in the world.

McAfee will have his work cut out for him.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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