When Pat McAfee Is Expected to Make WWE Return

Pat McAfee shocked fans with his surprise return at WrestlePalooza in September, but now we finally have an update on when he might come back. And this one comes straight from WWE President Nick Khan.

In an update revealed during The Pat McAfee Show, Nick Khan addressed the question everyone’s been asking: When is Pat coming back to WWE full-time? The exchange quickly turned into one of the clearest signs yet that WWE is actively preparing for McAfee’s official return.

McAfee opened the door by mentioning he was ready:

“I am in shape,” said McAfee.

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According to Nick Khan, he wasn’t the only one thinking about McAfee’s comeback. Khan told him he’d been getting messages throughout the interview from people wanting to know the status of McAfee’s WWE return. Khan noted that he had six messages during the interview from various people wondering when McAfee would be returning.

McAfee joked about the number, teasing Khan for “kayfabing it to six,” but the message was crystal clear — WWE wants him back.

Then Khan delivered the line fans had been waiting for:

“We’re going to bring you back. I know you and I are going to sit together once college football slows.”

Right now, McAfee is still locked into his ESPN role on College GameDay, with conference championship games set for this weekend and bowl season kicking off right after. But once that schedule clears, it sounds like WWE is ready to pull the trigger.

McAfee’s WrestlePalooza return wasn’t just for show. He entered the arena with Triple H, walked through Gorilla Position, and joined Michael Cole and Wade Barrett at the commentary desk to call the Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena match. The pop from the crowd proved one thing: fans want him back, and WWE knows it.

With McAfee’s energy, timing, and undeniable connection with the audience, his return could mean way more than just a headset — especially with the Royal Rumble approaching.

Are you ready for Pat McAfee to make his full-time WWE return? Should he stick to commentary, or jump back into storylines and in-ring chaos? Drop your thoughts below and let us know how you want to see McAfee used when he’s finally back.