Major WWE Star Expected To Return Soon After 4-Month Absence

There could be a major change in WWE very soon as one major star is expected back after a recent absence.

Back in June 2025, McAfee disappeared from Monday Night Raw without explanation, and he was initially replaced by SmackDown commentator Wade Barrett.

As his absence continued, on an episode of his podcast, Pat McAfee cited exhaustion as the reason behind his absence. As a result, there have been suggestions that the star may never return to WWE on a full-time basis.

McAfee was back involved at Wrestlepalooza in September as WWE kicked off a new partnership with ESPN, but he disappeared after that show again. Now, it seems Pat McAfee is on his way back.

Pat McAfee Returning To WWE

WrestleVotes on Fightful Select reported that WWE sources indicated that McAfee is on his way back to the company. He wasn’t a part of the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia, but could well be back behind the announce desk or even in the ring by the time WrestleMania 42 rolls around in April.

During his time away from WWE, McAfee has continued to do his daily talk show on ESPN and continued contributing to the network’s college football coverage. He and his wife are expecting their second child in June, which could take him away from his WWE duties again as well.