Pat McAfee Says he Didn't Know About His Royal Rumble Spot
Highlights
- Pat McAfee's dual role as commentator and participant in the Men's Royal Rumble brought unexpected twists for WWE fans.
- McAfee eliminated himself from the match when faced with two of the roster's most dangerous athletes.
- Despite the unforeseen circumstances, the Royal Rumble was a great show and McAfee seamlessly transitioned from the commentary booth to the ring.
WWE's 2024 Royal Rumble brought unexpected twists for fans as Pat McAfee, who was first announced as a surprise commentator, found himself with a dual role for the night. Returning to the announce desk alongside Michael Cole and Corey Graves, McAfee was also an entrant into the Men's Royal Rumble match itself. Called upon as Bron Breakker and Omos were standing toe-to-toe, McAfee thought better of trying to hold his own with two of the roster's most dangerous athletes. So, he promptly eliminated himself.
Pat McAfee Made Iconic WWE Legend A Huge Fan
Pat McAfee has a number of fans, but one WWE legend complimented him on how quickly he picked up the business and how good a guy he is.While not the showing he probably would have wanted in a Rumble match, McAfee expressed his excitement, emphasizing the honor of being part of the Royal Rumble spectacle.Interestingly, he said he was excited to be asked about commentary, but had no idea he was going to be announced as a member of the match.
“All of a sudden, what, 22, I’m in the Royal Rumble? Nobody gave me a heads-up about that. I got my cowboy boots on. Michael Cole let me go in there. That was rude of him. I thought we were friends. Then there was a thing in there. Seven foot three, okay? You’re just looking up at a statue of a being. I see little Bron Breakker go like barking at me. I’m like, I’m not supposed to be in here. Why would I be in here right now? I’m not prepared for this. Also, who would I be to take a main event at WrestleMania spot away from somebody? So I got my ass out of there. Now I went back in because I thought to myself, wait a minute, am I just gonna be a coward? I realized quickly, ‘Yeah, I think tonight I am.’ I went right back to the booth. And it was great. It was a great show.”
Reflecting on the overall experience, McAfee concluded that, despite the unforeseen circumstances, the Royal Rumble was a great show. WWE fans witnessed McAfee seamlessly transition from the commentary booth to the ring, adding an extra layer of unpredictability to an already thrilling event.
Was McAfee A Last-Minute Addition?
Several fans wondered if McAfee might have been a last-minute addition by WWE. There was talk heading into the Rumble that Brock Lesnar was scheduled to make his return, but because of the allegations towards Vince McMahon and the insinuation Lesnar might be linked to the lawsuit, WWE was rumored to have decided against bringing Lesnar back. If McAfee was the change in plans, it could explain why he didn't know.
At the same time, he might just be playing up the character and the surprise element of the show.
