McAfee took up the job as SmackDown commentator after a brief stint in NXT. While at NXT, he teamed up with Pete Dunne and had a heel personality.
Follow Us
Pat McAfee has credited the likes of Bobby Heenan, Rowdy Roddy Piper and Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler for inspiring his commentary styles.
McAfee took up the job as SmackDown commentator after a brief stint in NXT. While at NXT, he teamed up with Pete Dunne and had a heel personality.
Speaking on Busted Open, McAfee revealed his commentary influences and praised the likes of Bobby Heenan, Rowdy Roddy Piper and Jerry Lawler for setting the benchmark for brash, outspoken commentary. He said, “Then I would go back and watch some film before I got into Smackdown commentary on Heenan, on Piper when he was doing it, on the King. I mean, there are just a lot of things that I would listen to. Why are they saying what they’re saying? How are they saying what they’re saying? What are they trying to do with their words? Why are they trying to do that with their words, and now I have to do that in my way.”
Read more: A look back at some of the funniest moments from WrestleMania
McAfee then went on to praise his commentary partner Michael Cole. He said that he struck a chord with the long time commentator instantly and that is the reason for their success. “We got to remember that Cole was the one that called me and gave me the kickoff panel opportunity for NXT, like four years ago. So Cole and I have known each other for four years at this point, whenever I get in there and get to do my job,” Pat McAfee added.
The outspoken personality who has a popular podcast is all set to take on Austin Theory at WrestleMania 38. The duo have been going back and forth in recent weeks and it will be interesting to see what happens on SmackDown.
