Since wrapping up his NFL career in 2016, former Indianapolis Colts punter Pat McAfee has made a name for himself in broadcasting appearing as a regular football analyst as well as hosting his own show on SiriusXM. However it's his show stealing appearances in the WWE in the last couple of months that are turning heads in the world of wrestling.
In his second pay per view appearance for the WWE, McAfee more than held his own in the eight man 'War Games' match in which two rings are surrounded by a steel cage stealing the show in just the second match of his wrestling career
Oooooooo, @AdamColePro has been waiting a 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 time for this moment. #NXTTakeOver #WarGames @PatMcAfeeShow pic.twitter.com/yJzqvuDpQl
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) December 7, 2020
'War Games' sees two teams of four go head to head with each other in a no disqualification environment which saw McAfee take full advantage of the 'anything goes' nature of the match.
🤯 🤯 🤯 🤯 🤯 🤯 #NXTTakeOver #WarGames @PatMcAfeeShow pic.twitter.com/zEFieHMNK7
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) December 7, 2020
Even with a strong showing from Team McAfee they ultimately lost the match to the Undisputed Era led by former NXT World Champion Adam Cole, and despite the loss it was clear that McAfee was more than just a former athlete trying to gain a second round of fame via wrestling.
"There are certain people that are just naturals at this," said Executive Vice President of Global Talent Strategy & Development for WWE Triple H in a post event media call including SEN. "You've seen it over the years whether its a Ronda Rousey, a Kurt Angle or somebody like Pat."
"The people that he's been put in with, the people that he's been around... Eight guys in 'War Games' tonight including Pat all put their heart and soul into that and made it all happen."
It's not the first time this year that McAfee has turned his attention to activities other than the NFL when the pandemic suspended all sports in the United States back in June, the former punter fell in love with Australian Rules Football going as far to throwing his support behind Collingwood.
Thanks for the kit #FootysBack
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 18, 2020
🗣 COLLLLLLINGGWOOOOODDDD pic.twitter.com/wZ5Lb4cBj2
'NXT War Games 2020' is available on demand via the WWE Network