As fans continue to speculate about Pat McAfees potential full-time return, WWE Unreal Season 2 has finally revealed how his journey with WWE first began and it all started with Michael Cole.
Speaking during the January 20, 2026 episode of the Netflix docuseries, Cole shared that he was the one who initially brought McAfee into the company after learning he was a passionate wrestling fan. At the time, Cole was overseeing announce duties and decided to give McAfee a shot on the pre-shows for NXT Premium Live Events in 2018.
That early opportunity blossomed into something more. Cole said the two gradually developed a strong personal and professional bond, which naturally transitioned into on-screen chemistry once McAfee moved to the commentary booth full-time.
This comes after WWE President Nick Khan confirmed during The Pat McAfee Show that discussions about his return were already underway, noting the company would bring you back once college football season slows down. McAfee had also teased that he was in shape, further fueling speculation.
With Michael Cole now revealing that he was the one who gave McAfee his WWE start, its clear the former NFL stars connection to the company runs deeper than most realizedand his return may just be a matter of time.
Would you rather see Pat McAfee back at the commentary desk, or lacing up his boots for one more match? Let us know what you think!
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