Interesting Note On WWE's Original Plans For Pat McAfee At Royal Rumble
Pat McAfee surprised everyone with his WWE return, but it was supposed to be even bigger.
WWE originally wanted Pat McAfee to compete in the men's Royal Rumble match last weekend.
McAfee told listeners/viewers tuning into his daily show that Triple H was keen to have the commentator in the 30-man match when he initially left to work on ESPN's College GameDay show in September 2022. Hunter thought the Rumble would be the perfect chance for Pat to make an impression when he returned.
There was just one problem: ESPN's gig was way more intense than anyone realised, and McAfee didn't have the time or inclination to get himself in ring shape before 28 January rolled around. He was up front about that, and told WWE management he didn't want to "disrespect" the annual favourite or anybody else who deserved a spot in the thing more than him.
It's admirable that Pat didn't just phone in his workouts and then work a cameo spot in the Rumble. Instead, he warned WWE chiefs ahead of time then appeared as a surprise guest announcer for the pay-per-view. Nobody's clear quite yet whether he's back for good or not.
That in-ring Rumble performance will have to wait until next year then.