The internet wrestling community’s brutal honesty about Pat McAfee’s RAW absence has sparked a trademark response from the former NFL punter turned WWE commentator. McAfee finally broke his silence about stepping away from Monday Night RAW, and his reaction to fan criticism shows he’s got thick skin when it comes to online hate.
McAfee Explains His WWE RAW Hiatus
Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, the outspoken personality laid out the reality behind his reduced WWE presence. The demanding schedule had caught up with him after months of non-stop work across multiple platforms.
McAfee’s workload extends far beyond WWE commentary duties. He juggles a five-day weekly show, manages a growing business with 14 employees, and balances fatherhood with a two-year-old daughter at home.
The commentary break came after an intense period that began around WWE’s Premium Live Event in Dublin. Since then, McAfee had maintained a grueling pace that included college football coverage alongside his wrestling commitments.
Wrestling Fans Celebrate McAfee’s Absence
Social media erupted with reactions to McAfee’s hiatus, and the responses weren’t exactly sympathetic. Wrestling fans on X (formerly Twitter) made their feelings crystal clear about missing the controversial commentator.
One particularly blunt fan posted: “Please stop asking and he might go away. Trust us @PatMcAfeeShow no one cares that you are gone. In fact we are enjoying it.” Others echoed similar sentiments, with comments ranging from “Hope he takes as long as he needs. Then maybe a bit more after that. Forever” to more direct criticisms of his commentary style.
The harshest feedback came from viewers who claimed they were “exhausted” by McAfee’s presence at the announce table. Multiple fans expressed relief at his temporary departure from WWE programming.
Internet Trolls Get Personal
Some responses crossed the line into personal attacks, with one fan posting an expletive-filled message telling McAfee not to return. The intensity of negative feedback showcased how polarizing McAfee’s WWE role has become among longtime wrestling audiences.
McAfee’s Sarcastic Social Media Response
Never one to back down from controversy, McAfee addressed the criticism with his signature blend of humor and defiance. His Twitter response perfectly captured the disconnect between his personal exhaustion and fan expectations.
“I was getting pretty exhausted.. I produce/host a 5 day a week show, have been on the go every week since Dublin last year before College Football.. plus I run my growing company with 14 employees and have a 2 year old daughter.”
“YOU’RE NOT EXHAUSTED ENOUGH BITCH.. NEED YA TO TAKE A DIRT NAP”
~ The IWC (Internet Wrestling Community)
“Thank you all so much. Excited for the future of my life.”
The post highlighted McAfee’s ability to laugh off harsh criticism while acknowledging the Internet Wrestling Community’s reputation for brutal honesty. His response showed no signs of hurt feelings or plans to change his approach.
RAW Commentary Continues Without McAfee
WWE has seamlessly adapted to McAfee’s absence by utilizing Wade Barrett and Corey Graves to handle RAW commentary duties. The broadcast team has maintained its energy and storytelling quality during this transition period.
McAfee’s break appears to be purely personal rather than stemming from any backstage issues with WWE. His relationship with the company remains solid, and there’s no indication of contract disputes or creative differences.
The timing allows WWE to experiment with different commentary combinations while giving McAfee space to focus on his other business ventures and family commitments.
What’s Next for the Controversial Commentator?
McAfee continues producing and hosting his daily show, proving that his break from WWE doesn’t equal a break from work entirely. His media empire keeps expanding while he takes time away from the wrestling world’s demanding travel schedule.
WWE hasn’t announced any timeline for McAfee’s return to RAW commentary. The company appears content to let him recharge while maintaining their broadcast quality with existing talent.
McAfee’s polarizing presence in WWE has always generated strong reactions from wrestling fans, and his temporary absence has only amplified those opinions. Whether this break leads to changes in his WWE role or simply provides the reset he needed remains to be seen. Will the wrestling community’s harsh feedback influence McAfee’s future commentary style, or will he return to RAW with the same controversial energy that made him famous in the first place?
