Pat McAfee Makes Blockbuster Announcement After WWE Return; Future Addressed
Pat McAfee has made a potential career-ending announcement.
The commentator made his return on this week’s episode of SmackDown after taking a hiatus from the weekly duties of Monday Night RAW. McAfee attacked Cody Rhodes with a low blow and sided with Randy Orton, taking the mic and telling QB1 that he is a failure. Now, after the show, the 38-year-old has raised the stakes of WrestleMania 42.
Pat McAfee Issues an Open Challenge for WM42
Taking to X, McAfee uploaded a video where he could be seen in a darkly lit area. Recording himself via his phone’s camera, the former WWE RAW commentator said that he is placing a bet on Randy Orton, stating that he is sure that he will beat Cody Rhodes to become the new Undisputed Champion.
Increasing his wager, Pat McAfee said that if The Viper didn’t win at WM42, he would not make any appearances in any sports-related events. This is a highly dangerous and highly unexpected move from him, as he is basically putting his career on the line.
McAfee also said that this will be the most important fight in the pro wrestling business and that he is here to motivate The Legend Killer to take over WWE.
How about that, Marks? Never back on any wrestling television if Randy Orton loses at WrestleMania. I don’t know how long the business will last if that happens, but I will never come back. I am here on a mission to motivate a six-foot-five, 270, 280-pound monster to lead the WWE. My friend, the legend killer, the GOAT, Randy Orton. Tickets available now. Most important match in the history of this business happens in Las Vegas, Nevada. Come watch it live.”
I will make a deal with the IWC now..
If @RandyOrton doesn’t win at Mania.. I will NEVER be seen OR HEARD on wrestling television AGAIN.@BustedOpenRadio @WrestleOps @WrestleTalk_TV @twcworldwide @Fightful @BehindTheBuckle @EliteClubS0B pic.twitter.com/dnn44ftMha
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 4, 2026
Interestingly, Pat McAfee is blaming Cody Rhodes for the bad sales of WrestleMania 42 tickets, stating that the premium live event would’ve been sold out had he done a good job. This is a clever but obvious way to make the ticket pricing fallout of TKO. It would be interesting to see if Randy Orton will be able to safeguard the career of McAfee.