Michael Perry on March 29, 2022
Pat McAfee is preparing for his WrestleMania debut as he is set to face Austin Theory on the grandest stage of them all. The popular podcaster and WWE commentator was placed into the matchup by Vince McMahon. McMahon was originally rumored to be McAfee’s opponent and is still expected to be involved, but WWE is hoping to get an exciting in-ring match out of the two.
On last night’s Raw, Austin Theory defeated Intercontinental Champion Ricochet with a clean pinfall. The crowd, which happened to be in Pat McAfee’s hometown of Pittsburgh, chanted his name throughout. Pat didn’t show up, but he claimed he will represent his city at WrestleMania 38.
Pat appeared on Busted Open Radio to talk about the bout with Austin Theory. McAfee said he is hoping to put on a classic. Pat also talked about the creative freedom he has experienced in WWE.
“We have a great producer, who I have a good relationship with. This particular producer, been around the business for a long time. He and I, polar opposite human beings, but I have always made it a point, ever since I got there, to say what’s up to him and hello to him because I enjoyed him as a fan, as a person, as a superstar, as everything. For a couple of years now, I’ve gotten a chance to chat with said producer. I think he understands me pretty good. Austin Theory, he’s just going to get his ass beat. There hasn’t been anything yet in this entire WWE existence that I’ve said, ‘Hey, we should try this’ that has been completely ruled out. There has been a couple things that I have brought to the forefront and said, ‘This would be cool,’ and I’ve been told, ‘That might be happening…we have to dance around.’
Cool, I completely understand. I feel like the creative and conversation get pooped on a lot outside of WWE. Going in, I assumed that everything was going to be impossible. I’m a super creative person, I enjoy everything my brain thinks and the way I operate. I’m very lucky to be where I’m at in life financially and professionally. I thought I was going in there and it was going to be tooth and nail trying to get everything done. I haven’t experienced that at all. I know other people haven’t had the exact same results, but I’m also not 100% sure that people have what I’m bringing to the table as well.
That gets lost in a lot of the conversation. If you don’t like what’s going on, you can leave. I did that to the NFL, I did that to Barstool, a couple different places. Freedom is something you earn, it’s not something you’re given. I’m very fortunate to be at that particular spot. The people I’m working with for this match are awesome. We’re going to put together a classic, we’re going to try out best at least, to do WrestleMania some respect.”
Pat McAfee came from the world of football and sports podcasting, where he was able to express himself creatively however he wanted. WWE has acknowledged that success by giving him a little more freedom than the average superstar. McAfee is hoping to parlay that creativity along with a strong producer and opponent to put on a memorable match at WrestleMania 38.
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H/T Fightful
March 29, 2022 12:24 pm
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