From grid irons to square circles, Pat McAfee’s journey from NFL Pro Bowl Punter to WWE personality was not traditional. But behind a larger-than-life persona and endless energy that made him a fan favorite, McAfee had serious doubts about his abilities as a wrestler.
“I wasn’t on a good level to actually be like a ring with a good guy, and I really understood it,” McAfee confessed, revealing the vulnerability beneath his confident appearance.
The key role of triple H
McAfee’s wrestling aspirations may have gone a very different path due to the intervention of WWE legendary Paul “Triple H” Levesque.
“I was like, ‘Hey, I was going to be a hit with the indie and I liked to see if I could do this,’ and he was like, ‘You should not think about it either,'” McAfee recalled. “He said, ‘If you’re going to do it, you need to be doing it with us.’ ”
This confidence vote from one of wrestling’s most respected figures proved crucial in McAfee’s decision to pursue wrestling within the WWE system, rather than cutting teeth with independent promotions.
An emotional journey
Despite his self-doubt, McAfee’s in-ring debut on NXT Takeover exceeded expectations, showing his natural understanding of his athleticism and performance. The match represented more than just a career transition. It was a lifelong dream come true.
“The amount of texting I’ve got from people who have gone through my life…it was very emotional for me,” McAfee shared.
The gratitude behind bravery
McAfee maintains a realistic view of his wrestling abilities, but he admits, “I’m not enough to be a full-time professional wrestler.”
“Obviously, I’m very grateful for the opportunity from Paul, Mr. H and Daddy H. It’s a really cool moment,” McAfee said.
McAfee’s story stands as evidence of the power to take chance despite the frightening “conman syndrome.”
