Pat McAfee Cites Burnout, Family Priorities in Stepping Away from WWE Commentary – Pat McAfee has opened up about his decision to step back from his role as a WWE commentator, revealing that mental exhaustion, an intense travel schedule, and the desire to prioritize his family were key reasons behind the move. Speaking candidly on The Pat McAfee Show, McAfee said the wear and tear of constant travel caught up with him during WWE’s Money in the Bank premium live event.
“I got real tired, man, I bet I hit a wall,” McAfee admitted. “I hit one.” He described it as experiencing “brain fog,” a clear sign that something had to give. “As Money in the Bank was happening, I was like, ‘Oh my god, yeah, this is it.’ This is, I finally hit it. And I never thought it was going to happen.”
McAfee walked fans through his chaotic schedule in the lead-up to that realization. Within a short span, he traveled from Dublin to Los Angeles, then to Parris Island, back to L.A., and then straight into WWE’s demanding TV tapings. “I was trying my best,” he said. “And I know wrestling fans don’t think this… But like, I was trying to put everybody over, like, maximum effort, full every time.”
The former NFL punter also noted how late travel times bled into his work week, which starts early on Mondays. “Getting back at two, three in the morning, then turning around to do the show, then being there for my daughter—something had to give.”
Despite stepping away, McAfee praised WWE for being understanding. “They have such a hard work, kind of travel mindset… They understand you might need to take a sleep early. For sure, they’ve been great,” he said. “And I will always love the WWE, and I miss it.”
McAfee also credited fellow announcers Corey Graves and Wade Barrett for helping make the transition easier. “They’re so good,” he said. “The show moves on regardless. So the ability to not feel absolutely f—ing terrible for having to take a step back because I’m tired…”
Looking ahead, McAfee is now focused on his responsibilities with The Pat McAfee Show and his role on ESPN’s College GameDay. He emphasized that had he not stepped away from WWE when he did, he likely wouldn’t have been able to manage the grueling schedule of the upcoming football season. “I was eyeing football season right around the corner. I didn’t think I would have made it.”
WWE has since moved Corey Graves from SmackDown to RAW, where he now permanently joins Michael Cole at the announce desk. McAfee remains under WWE contract, and while there is no set timetable for a return, he’s left the door open to revisit commentary duties when the timing is right.
Pat McAfee Cites Burnout, Family Priorities in Stepping Away from WWE Commentary
