Barrett does not think McAfee will be in the SmackDown ‘hot seat’ for now.
In the fall of 2022, WWE altered their broadcast teams and one of the changes included moving Wade Barrett from NXT to the SmackDown brand to join Michael Cole at the commentary desk.
Barrett stepped in for Pat McAfee who had commitments to ESPN College Gameday. Pat McAfee returned at the 2023 Royal Rumble but has not commentated for WWE since then.
While speaking to Daily Star, Barrett said in terms of the foreseeable future, it’ll be himself and Cole calling the action. He added that McAfee will always be a friend of WWE, but he has a lot on his plate. As far as Barrett is aware, McAfee will not be commentating on SmackDown for now.
It’s as permanent as you can ever be in a role in WWE! Historically, things have always been switched around and teams have been moved from here to there, and I’m not saying I’m going to be in the SmackDown hot seat for the next ten years or anything like that. But in terms of the foreseeable, it’s going to be me and (Michael) Cole going forward. Pat McAfee is always going to be a friend of WWE. He’s an incredibly talented guy and we’re all fans of his too, but he has a lot on his plate. I am sure he’ll come in and out from time to time and be involved in various roles but, as far as I’m aware, he’s not going to be sat in the SmackDown hot seat for now at least.
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