Pat McAfee joined WWE in April of 2021 as a color commentator for SmackDown. Since then, McAfee has brought new energy to the blue brand and to Michael Cole.
Last September, Pat McAfee signed a contract with ESPN to work as a full-time member of the “College GameDay” broadcast team. Prior to signing with ESPN, McAfee was granted permission by WWE’s Head of Creative Triple H to work at College GameDay.
.@PatMcAfeeShow approached us about his amazing opportunity with College GameDay. We’d never stand in Pat’s way, as he continues to architect his exceptional career.
— Triple H (@TripleH) September 7, 2022
Pat will remain a member of the @WWE Universe and we look forward to his return. #UpToSomethingSZN
Later, McAfee announced that he still working with WWE and will return to the company when the Football season ends. Meanwhile, WWE shuffled the announcer team during McAfee’s hiatus. As a result, then NXT commentator Wade Barret was appointed as SmackDown commentator.
SmackDAHN will be on hold for a little bit while I do College GameDay.. I'm still VERY much in the WWE family & will still be doing things with WWE#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/bhSpOYg3wW
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 7, 2022
ESPN’s College GameDay is scheduled to end on Monday, January 9th, which means McAfee could be returning within the next two weeks. According to Dave Meltzer, McAfee will be the third commentator on the blue brand along with Michael Cole and Wade Barrett.
We will update you when we receive more details. Stay tuned with The Spotlight for more news.