“How about it?” Pat McAfee fuels speculation about WWE in-ring return amidst ongoing commitment with ESPN’s College GameDay
The former Indianapolis Colts punter Pat McAfee hasn't competed inside of a WWE ring since squashing The Miz at WrestleMania 39.
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Pat McAfee at WrestleMania 39 [via- WWE]
About three months ago, Pat McAfee took a leave of absence from WWE to resume football duties. He rejoined ESPN’s College GameDay but said he’d return to his announcing duties in WWE when Raw moves to Netflix in January. It seems like Pat’s also prepping for more than just accompanying Michael Cole on the desk. The Boomstick explicitly teased an in-ring comeback during The Pat McAfee Show.
When talking about WWE’s strategic agreement with Indianapolis Sports Corp., McAfee was asked on-air whether he’d partake in next year’s Royal Rumble. He didn’t outright say yes or no either. What he did tell was that he’s working out and feeling healthier than ever. Now it’s up to the fans to decide what he’s hinting at.
The former Colts punter has been in a Rumble match previously, notably last year. But he eliminated himself after being apprehended by a gigantic Omos. McAfee was on commentary when his entrance music hit. It seemed more of an impromptu call by WWE, as Pat was in no shape or form to compete.
Woah, woah, I have been working out. How about it? I’ve been healthier than I ever been.
Pat McAfee on possible Royal Rumble appearance
Pat McAfee teasing an appearance in the 2025 #WWE Royal Rumble –
— SEScoops (@sescoops) November 13, 2024
“Woah, woah, I have been working out,” he said on his show today. “How about it? I’ve been healthier than I ever been.” pic.twitter.com/XXNqAcKDcv
However, as he mentioned above, the Pennsylvanian has been putting in the work and might very well end up as a surprise entrant in the 2025 men’s Royal Rumble match. Earlier today, John Cena confirmed that the upcoming PLE will be his last Royal Rumble ever.
As a matter of fact, Cena’s set to compete at the Lucas Oil Stadium on February 1. Who knows if he bumps into Pat McAfee in the men’s Rumble? That night, two names will punch their tickets to WrestleMania 41. Thus far, there’s no out-and-out favorite to win. However, the anticipation has started to grow manifolds.
Is Tyrese Haliburton also eyeing a WWE Royal Rumble appearance?
Now that John Cena is certain while Pat McAfee is expected to play his part at the Royal Rumble next year, who else could join the field? Indiana Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton may just have something to say as well.
A few days ago, the 24-year-old point guard also teased showing up at the Royal Rumble. The NBA star will be playing the Atlanta Hawks on the same evening as the WWE mega show. It’s quite possible that the majority of the premium live event will go head-to-head with the Pacers vs. Hawks game.
However, there’s a chance, though slim, that could allow Tyrese to sneak into the Rumble. The hoopster was in the house for a SmackDown taping at MSG this year in June. At one point, he famously came face-to-face with local hero Jalen Brunson.
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