Sooner rather than later it will be fall again and WWE fans may have to wave goodbye to a Monday night staple, Pat McAfee.
While sadly when the football season begins, Pat McAfee has been known to depart from WWE with his increased responsibilities at ESPN keeping him very busy – there are some potential replacements for 2025 that could be quite intriguing.
Here are six possible replacements in WWE for Pat McAfee.
6. Beth Phoenix
One voice from WWE commentary past that hasn’t been heard in quite some time is WWE Hall of Famer Beth Phoenix.
If there was a need to fill-in for Pat McAfee – even temporarily, it would be great to see the Glamazon on deck.
While Phoenix is by all accounts still a free agent – having revealed last summer that she was no longer under contract with WWE – there could be one very big reason for a potential return.
Having served on commentary for the first edition of WWE Evolution back in 2018, perhaps there is a path for Beth Phoenix to make a surprise appearance to cover for McAfee on the PLE.
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5. Big E
Remaining a fan favorite, Big E has successfully transitioned to a hosting role in WWE after his in-ring career as come to an end.
Demonstrating his ability to stay connected to the fan experience as a viewer, he would be a great substitute for Pat McAfee who often serves as the voice of the audience.
Able to recreate the same curiosity and expressiveness Pat demonstrates, Big E can also add technical knowledge or personal details to the storylines on screen from a uniquely personal perspective.
Already demonstrating his dynamic conversation style with the likes of Michael Cole, Wade Barrett and Joe Tessitore on pre and post-show panels – he is ready to go!
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4. Wade Barrett
While Wade Barrett may be best remembered by some fans for his in-ring career but he has been a big part of WWE commentary for half a decade already.
After being featured on commentary on NXT from 2020 to 2022, Barrett then moved to the main roster – demonstrating flexibility between Raw and SmackDown as the assignments has required.
Seemingly in celebration of his flexibility and fan support, Barrett would go on to call his first WrestleMania along with Michael Cole and Pat McAfee for WrestleMania 41,
Currently successful in his pairing on SmackDown with Joe Tessitore, if there were a shake-up between commentary teams – Barrett could certainly serve as an anchor in McAfee’s absence.
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3. Vic Joseph
NXT commentator Vic Joseph has continued to demonstrate his skills on commentary even coupled with two big personalities in Booker T and Corey Graves.
Accordingly, it would be great to see the impeccable Joseph try his hand at calling some main roster moments for the first time since his short-lived Raw run in 2019.
If Joseph were to be on the call in the weeks surrounding the WWE Draft 2025, he could seamlessly introduce NXT stars that made the jump in a strategic way.
Immediately making them feel relevant, Joseph would be able to succinctly bring forward the key details about each NXT character’s history and stats to help establish the characters with the broader main roster audience.
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2. Cardi B
Part of Pat McAfee’s undeniable charm comes from his ability to speak his mind in a manner that feels both outrageous and genuine.
Another celebrity who has the same ability is Cardi B – known for her off the cuff hilarity, she is already set to host the upcoming first ever two-night SummerSlam 2025.
Perhaps serving as a perfect segue into the WWE universe, Cardi B could definitely hop on commentary and add adlibbed charm.
Having been vocal in the past about her love for vintage WWE including Stone Cold Steve Austin and Eddie Guerrero – Cardi would be a hilarious albeit short-term addition to the commentary team to replace McAfee.
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1. Joe Tessitore
Having already demonstrated excellence on SmackDown, Joe Tessitore could easily bring his skills to Nerflix to cover a spell for McAfee.
Able to bounce off of Michael Cole, the pair make a serious pair when they’ve been partnered together in the past including recently when after McAfee was attacked by GUNTHER – it was Joe Tessitore who popped in to cover the rest of the show.
With a deep history in sports broadcasting as well as sports entertainment (never forget the greatness that was the ABC mini-golf competition show hosted by Tess, Holey Moley!) the legend has already proven his abilities in WWE.
Perhaps making way for a different guest to appear on commentary alongside Wade Barrett in the interim, Joe Tessitore has proven to be a reliable hand in numerous on-screen roles and definitely able to cover for McAfee.
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