Pat McAfee Says WWE Commentary Break Was Due to Mental Crash: “I Hit a Wall”

Pat McAfee has finally spoken out about why he’s been missing from WWE RAW for over a month, and it’s not contract drama or a creative issue—it’s burnout.

On the July 16 episode of The Pat McAfee Show, the energetic host and former SmackDown commentator revealed that he hit a breaking point while juggling his WWE role, ESPN duties, and life as a new dad.

McAfee said the grind became too much after nonstop travel between international events and work commitments. The breaking point came during Money in the Bank weekend in Los Angeles.

“I got real tired, man. I crashed. I hit a wall.”

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He explained how his schedule took him from Dublin to Paris Island, then straight to LA—all while hosting daily shows and prepping for major WWE broadcasts.

“They started Raw early, and I’m like an energy guy. I don’t need a lot of sleep to operate. I’ve always been that way. And then I just got to Money in the Bank in LA… and I could just feel it. I’m like, ‘Oh my God, my brain is not operating right now.’”

McAfee said he started noticing signs of “brain fog” and realized he was on the verge of mental exhaustion.

“As Money in the Bank was happening, I was like, ‘Oh my God. This is it. I’ve finally hit it.’ And I never thought it was going to happen.”

But this break didn’t mean McAfee didn’t respect the job. In fact, he fired back at critics who doubted his commitment to wrestling.

“I know wrestling fans don’t think this. I think a lot of them don’t think this. The wrestling community doesn’t think this, but like—I was trying to put everybody over. Maximum effort, full every time, trying to put people over to people that are watching.”

The message was clear—McAfee gave his all to WWE commentary, but something had to give. With the college football season set to begin August 30, and his show staying busy, it doesn’t sound like he’ll be returning to the RAW booth anytime soon.

Pat McAfee may be off RAW, but he hasn’t closed the door completely. If and when he does return, fans can expect that signature energy—once he’s fully recharged. Do you want to see Pat back at the commentary table, or are you digging the Graves-Cole team? Sound off in the comments and let us know.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.