WWE Announcer Set to Be Absent from March 17 RAW Broadcast

WWE Monday Night Raw is bringing a loaded card to Brussels, Belgium, but one familiar voice won’t be on commentary.

Ringside News can confirm that Pat McAfee is staying in the U.S. to fulfill his ESPN obligations, meaning he won’t be alongside Michael Cole for this special overseas edition of Raw.

McAfee’s absence is sure to be noticed, as his dynamic energy and chemistry with Cole have made for some of WWE’s most entertaining commentary moments. While Raw still promises a massive night—including John Cena’s return, a No Holds Barred match, and an Intercontinental Title bout—the commentary table won’t have its usual spark without McAfee’s signature enthusiasm.

With McAfee missing the show, WWE will likely bring in a replacement alongside Cole. Whether it’s Corey Graves, Wade Barrett, or someone else stepping in remains to be seen.

Meanwhile, WWE is pushing full steam ahead with Raw’s first-ever episode in Belgium, airing live at 3 PM ET on Netflix. John Cena is expected to address his shocking heel turn, Seth Rollins will respond to Roman Reigns’ ambush, and IYO SKY and Bianca Belair will put pen to paper for their WrestleMania 41 showdown.

WWE RAW Lineup for March 17, 2025 Episode:

• Dakota Kai vs. Ivy Nile
• Intercontinental Championship: Bron Breakker (c) vs. Finn Balor
• No Holds Barred Match: Penta vs. Ludwig Kaiser
• Jey Uso vs. Austin Theory
• John Cena Appears
• Seth Rollins Appearance
• IYO SKY and Bianca Belair contract signing.

Ringside News will be providing live play-by-play coverage of this week’s show over in our WWE Monday Night RAW coverage hub. It promises to be a memorable episode for many reasons, so it remains to be seen how the episode will turn out.

How do you think Raw will feel without Pat McAfee on commentary? Will his absence be a big deal, or will WWE bring in the right replacement? Drop your thoughts below!