Pat McAfee Sounds Off on WWE Future After Randy Orton Fallout

Pat McAfee has addressed his WWE future in a new video, making it increasingly clear that fans should not expect to see him return to WWE programming anytime soon.

The latest comments come after McAfee's involvement in the Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes storyline earlier this year, which ultimately ended with Orton turning against McAfee during their chaotic WrestleMania 42 encounter.

McAfee Says Fans Shouldn't Expect a Return

In his latest video, McAfee reportedly told fans not to expect to see him involved with WWE “ever again.” That statement has naturally sparked renewed discussion about whether his WWE run is genuinely over or whether the former NFL punter could eventually make another surprise appearance.

McAfee's WWE career had already reached a dramatic conclusion following the events surrounding WrestleMania 42.

The Randy Orton Connection

McAfee became involved in Orton's rivalry with Cody Rhodes after being revealed as the mystery person communicating with the former WWE Champion.

His involvement represented a major character change, with McAfee turning against Rhodes and supporting Orton.

The angle eventually culminated at WrestleMania 42, where Rhodes successfully defended the Undisputed WWE Championship against Orton. McAfee became involved in the match after taking on an unexpected officiating role, but Orton ultimately turned on him as the situation spiralled out of control.

A Dramatic Exit

The WrestleMania storyline gave McAfee a particularly memorable exit from WWE television.

Following the defeat, McAfee had indicated that he would leave professional wrestling if Orton failed to win the championship.

Orton did not get the victory, and McAfee subsequently confirmed his departure from WWE.

His latest comments therefore appear consistent with the promise he made during the build to WrestleMania.

McAfee's WWE Legacy

McAfee's WWE career has been unusual compared with most performers.

After retiring from professional football, he became a major media personality before developing a close relationship with WWE.

He eventually transitioned into wrestling appearances, commentary and major storyline involvement.

His combination of athletic ability, microphone skills and mainstream popularity made him one of WWE's most recognisable crossover personalities.

Fans Continue to Speculate

Despite McAfee's latest comments, wrestling fans are naturally questioning whether this really is the end.

WWE has frequently brought former stars and celebrity personalities back for surprise appearances, and McAfee has already demonstrated that he can move between sports media and professional wrestling.

However, there is currently no indication that he is preparing for an immediate WWE return.

For now, his comments suggest that he is comfortable stepping away from the wrestling side of his career.

The Bigger Picture

McAfee's departure also leaves WWE without one of its most recognisable personalities.

His previous appearances helped WWE reach audiences outside the traditional wrestling fanbase, particularly because of his large media following.

Whether he eventually returns as a commentator, special guest or occasional performer remains impossible to predict.

For the moment, however, McAfee appears to be drawing a line under his recent WWE chapter.

Sevens Sports Arena Verdict

Pat McAfee's latest comments have once again put his WWE future in the spotlight.

His involvement with Randy Orton created one of the more unexpected storylines of 2026, but the angle ultimately ended with McAfee on the losing side and Orton turning against him.

Now, McAfee is publicly distancing himself from WWE.

That could genuinely be the end of his wrestling career — or, as wrestling history has shown countless times, it could simply leave the door open for a surprise return somewhere down the road.

For now, though, Pat McAfee appears to be moving on from WWE.