One call started it all for Pat McAfee.
McAfee has established himself as a staple of WWE programming in recent years, often serving on commentary teams alongside Michael Cole.
Many fans will remember that McAfee got his start with WWE all the way back in 2018, appearing on the pre-show panel for NXT TakeOver: New Orleans. In an exclusive clip from an upcoming episode of Stephanie's Places, McAfee reflected on getting that first call from WWE.
“I got a text from a random number. It was like, ‘Hey, this is Michael Cole, do you have a minute?’ I’m like, this is fake. ‘We’re looking for somebody to be on the NXT panel.’ They invited me down to Louisiana and I viewed it as the greatest day of my life. I’ve been a pro bowler multiple times, I kicked off a Super Bowl, and getting asked to go be a part of the NXT kickoff panel was maybe the best phone call I’ve ever got in my life. From that moment on it’s like, what do you need me for, how can I be a part of it?”
The full episode of Stephanie's Places with Pat McAfee will drop on Wednesday, May 7.
McAfee is set to face off against Gunther at WWE Backlash. Check out the updated lineup for the premium live event by clicking here.
The call that started it all for @PatMcAfeeShow ----
— WWE (@WWE) May 6, 2025
The newest episode of #StephaniesPlaces with guest Pat McAfee streams TOMORROW on @espn+! pic.twitter.com/tkpMFA1jd4
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