‘The SmackDown king’ – WWE fans rejoice as ex-NFL star Pat McAfee pens deal to keep him in wrestling for ‘years to come’
PAT MCAFEE has signed a new "multi-year extension" with WWE.
The former NFL kicker, 35, retired from football in 2016 and is now a hugely popular performer and member of the WWE analyst team.
McAfee spent the entirety of his career at the Indianapolis Colts and was named an All-Pro in 2014.
He announced his retirement from the NFL in 2016 due to surgery on a persistent knee injury.
After joining Barstool, McAfee briefly trained as a professional wrestler with Rip Rogers.
And he made his WWE analyst bow in 2018, appearing on the build-up show for NXT TakeOver events.
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The 6ft1, 233lbs Pennsylvanian-native had dabbled in wrestling before entering the NFL Draft in 2009.
But he got his big break in WWE eleven years later when making his pro debut and has since become a fan favorite on SmackDown.
Earlier this year he sent WrestleMania crazy with an entertaining cameo, which saw him stunned by 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin.
And his hilarious antics as a SmackDown analyst alongside Michael Cole have made him a social media star.
A WWE statement read: "WWE today announced that Pat McAfee has signed a multiyear extension with WWE.
'MAJOR WIN'
"Since April 2021, McAfee has served as an analyst, alongside Michael Cole, for Friday Night SmackDown at 8 pm ET live each week on FOX.
"The new pact will see McAfee entertaining the WWE Universe for years to come.
"Earlier this year, McAfee delighted fans and lit up social media with a WrestleMania debut for the ages at AT&T Stadium in Dallas when battling Theory, Mr. McMahon, and even getting stunned by "Stone Cold" Steve Austin"
WWE fans were delighted with the news and took to social media to praise the decision.
One wrote: "MAJOR W he’s amazing."
And another added: "Honestly the best thing about Smackdown right now."
While one simply said: "The SmackDown king".
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During Wrestlemania in April, McMahon had made a shock return to the ring in Texas, ending a ten-year hiatus.
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Vince pinned McAfee after punting a FOOTBALL into the ex-NFL star's ribs during their impromptu match-up.
McAfee faced Austin Theory on the official card and entered the arena flanked by cheerleaders, with McMahon taking his place ring-side after declaring Theory a 'future world champion'.
