“Life’s wrestling,” Pat McAfee said this not just as a quote, but as a mission statement. Sitting across from WWE executive Stephanie McMahon, he detailed his love for wrestling. Even when he was booming punts for the Indianapolis Colts, McAfee was dreaming about becoming a WWE wrestling star. And the dream never faded.
Back in 2017, McAfee shocked the NFL world when he retired at 29 years old. He walked away from a Pro Bowl career, with two-time selection and All-Pro honors, because he was chasing a new ring: the squared circle of WWE. From punter to podcast king to pro wrestler, McAfee’s evolution is truly the most dynamic one in modern sports entertainment. By 2018, he stepped into the world of wrestling, creating moments. From taking on Adam Cole in his debut to dropping The Miz at WrestleMania, he has been a showstopper.
When did Pat McAfee make his debut in WWE?
Pat McAfee officially stepped into a WWE ring for the first time in August 2020 at NXT TakeOver XXX, going toe-to-toe with Adam Cole. He lost the match—sure—but it wasn’t about the win. It was about making a statement: the former NFL star could achieve anything he set his mind to.
“I love WWE and this is what I was born to do,” McAfee said in August 2024. After showcasing his athleticism over eight seasons as a punter for the Colts, McAfee made the leap into the world of WWE—and proved he belonged.
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However, McAfee’s WWE journey didn’t begin in the ring—it started behind the mic. Back in 2018, he was doing commentary for NXT TakeOver and handling media duties, gradually earning trust in the wrestling world as a guest commentator. By the time WrestleMania 35 rolled around in 2019, he was actively promoting WWE events under contract.
But that same year, he faced a major backstage challenge—a fashion-related dispute with Michael Cole that nearly cost him his spot. Reflecting on the incident, McAfee said, “I get a call like, we’re going to rehearse something… Cole spazzes… full-on tantrum… kicks me out of gorilla.” Still, McAfee pushed through and eventually fulfilled his dream of becoming a WWE Superstar.
Why is Pat McAfee wrestling in the WWE and not in the Indies?
Originally, McAfee was ready to earn his stripes the hard way—with indie shows, small gyms, and long drives. In a discussion on Stephanie’s Places on ESPN+, he shared, “I was like, ‘Hey, I’m gonna go hit the indies and see if I can do this or not.’” But WWE’s top brass had other plans. Triple H gave him the big-time call, offering a completely different path. He firmly told McAfee, “Don’t you even think about it. You need to be doing it with us if you’re going to do it at all.” And that was it.
Triple H saw McAfee’s potential as more than just a rookie—he brought him straight to the main stage. McAfee wasn’t just an athlete; he was a walking media brand with NFL credibility and a massive platform. WWE recognized that and brought him directly into the spotlight. “I love WWE and this is what I was born to do,” McAfee said. Judging by the media coverage and fan reaction he draws, he clearly wasn’t lying.
Who were Pat’s opponents in his prior WWE stints?
Pat McAfee doesn’t wrestle often. But when he does, he has squared off with several high-profile opponents. Here’s who he’s faced so far. Primarily, it is Adam Cole during the NXT TakeOver XXX (2020). He brought in wild energy to the solid match. Although he lost, he left the fans impressed. “I am not supposed to be in here,” he, however, admitted afterward.
Credits: Imago
The second match was against Austin Theory at WrestleMania 38 (2022). Following his victory, McAfee found himself in an impromptu comedy match with Vince McMahon—who ultimately defeated him.
At WrestleMania 39 (2023), McAfee faced The Miz in another surprise bout. The unexpected win was made even more memorable by NFL star George Kittle jumping in to help, adding legitimacy to McAfee’s status as an entertainer.
Fast forward to this year on WWE RAW, Gunther choked out Michael Cole. When McAfee tried to intervene, he was dropped as well. Gunther made his intentions clear: “Only the grace of God will be able to stop me from choking out Pat McAfee.”
That moment set the stage for McAfee’s clash with Gunther at WWE Backlash 2025. This one won’t be about entertainment—it’s about survival.
What is McAfee’s win/loss record in WWE?
McAfee isn’t a full-time wrestler, but his résumé is no less impressive. He has competed in seven matches, making every one of them count. His biggest wins include victories over Austin Theory at WrestleMania 38 and The Miz at WrestleMania 39, along with a few other wins in tag team setups and special appearances.
On the flip side, his major losses came against Adam Cole at NXT TakeOver XXX and Vince McMahon at WrestleMania 38. That puts his major match record at 2–1, with another showdown looming against Gunther.
For a wrestler with no formal background, that’s no small feat. He even took home the Wrestling Observer’s 2020 Rookie of the Year award, proving he’s more than just a guest star. “He does not have the actual wrestling experience and ring time,” FandomWire wrote. But somehow, McAfee keeps showing up with unmatched grit.
The post What Is Pat McAfee’s History in WWE? All About Retired NFL Kicker’s Wrestling Journey appeared first on EssentiallySports.
