Since bursting onto the WWE scene, Pat McAfee has defied expectations. Known originally for his NFL punting skills and later as a charismatic sports analyst and podcast host, McAfee’s transition to wrestling was met with both skepticism and excitement. Yet, the former Indianapolis Colts star quickly proved he wasn't just another celebrity cameo. He brought real energy, agility, and storytelling to the squared circle. In this post, we explore who Pat McAfee has wrestled since making his wrestling debut—and why each match was a significant moment in his career.
𧨠Pat McAfee vs. Adam Cole – A Feud Fueled by Real Tension π₯
The rivalry between Pat McAfee and Adam Cole in 2020 marked McAfee’s in-ring debut and set the tone for how seriously he was taking his wrestling career. Their feud began on McAfee’s podcast, where tensions seemed to boil over—blurring the lines between reality and scripted drama.
Their first major match came at NXT TakeOver: XXX. Despite being a wrestling rookie, McAfee delivered a shockingly athletic performance, complete with a picture-perfect backflip off the top rope and a well-timed dive to the outside. Adam Cole ultimately won, but McAfee earned widespread respect for his commitment and performance.
This was not just a match; it was Pat McAfee proving he belonged in a wrestling ring.
π¦ WarGames 2020 – Team McAfee vs. The Undisputed Era π§
McAfee didn't stop after his singles debut. He returned for one of NXT’s most brutal and iconic matches: WarGames. Teaming with Pete Dunne, Oney Lorcan, and Danny Burch, McAfee led his faction into battle against The Undisputed Era, a dominant stable led by Adam Cole.
This steel-cage match was intense, chaotic, and dangerous. Yet McAfee again impressed fans and critics, performing a moonsault off the top of the cage and showing he could thrive in a multi-man, high-risk environment.
Pat McAfee wrestling in WarGames proved that his earlier match wasn’t a fluke—he was the real deal, willing to take the same physical risks as full-time superstars.
π€ WrestleMania 38 – Pat McAfee vs. Austin Theory & Surprise with Mr. McMahon π️
In 2022, McAfee made the leap from NXT to the grandest stage of them all—WrestleMania. At WrestleMania 38, he faced off against Austin Theory, a rising star and favorite of WWE Chairman Vince McMahon.
McAfee came out with style and swagger, wrestling in front of 70,000+ fans. His match with Austin Theory was entertaining, showcasing McAfee’s athleticism and crowd connection. He even got the win, much to the delight of fans.
But the surprises didn’t end there.
Immediately after his victory, Vince McMahon himself entered the ring and challenged McAfee to an impromptu match. While more of a comedic segment than a competitive bout, the moment was surreal—and historical. Not many people can say they wrestled Vince McMahon at WrestleMania.
Then, in a nostalgic moment, Stone Cold Steve Austin hit the ring, delivering stunners to everyone involved—including McAfee, who sold the move like a veteran.
π Royal Rumble 2023 – A Shocking Return π«
At the 2023 Royal Rumble, McAfee returned unexpectedly to join the commentary team, but he didn’t step into the ring. This appearance, though brief, reignited interest in his WWE future.
Although he hasn’t wrestled since WrestleMania 38 (as of 2024), his time in WWE has already left a mark. Fans and insiders continue to speculate about future opponents, with rumors of more matches floating around consistently.
⚡️ What Makes Pat McAfee’s WWE Journey Unique? π―
McAfee’s wrestling story is remarkable because it’s not just about celebrity participation—it’s about genuine passion and performance. He has faced some of WWE’s best: Adam Cole, The Undisputed Era, Austin Theory, and even Vince McMahon. Each match elevated his credibility and drew new eyes to the product.
Pat McAfee’s opponents weren’t chosen for easy wins. They were real tests. And each time, he rose to the occasion—making him one of the most exciting celebrity-to-wrestler transitions in WWE history.