Pat McAfee’s hiatus from WWE RAW in June 2025 did not catch company officials by surprise. According to sources at Fightful Select, his departure was already anticipated due to his upcoming commitment to college football season.
This move was considered inevitable, and WWE had already secured Corey Graves as a pre-planned replacement. Graves’ return to the RAW commentary team was a part of a long-term strategy, rather than a reactive move to McAfee’s absence. A WWE higher-up sympathized with Graves after he voiced frustration about being moved to NXT earlier in 2025, referring to his versatility as both a gift and a curse. His ability to work across any brand made him the obvious choice once McAfee’s schedule became unworkable.
McAfee, a well-known sports personality, entered the hiatus because of significant mental and physical burnout from his unrelenting schedule. He recounted on his own show how he “hit a wall” in early June 2025 after a series of nonstop work commitments, including a trip to Los Angeles for Money in the Bank. He specifically credited WWE management, particularly President Nick Khan, for being supportive of his need to take a break.
Despite his departure, McAfee is still viewed positively within WWE. Internal sources say he is consistently professional and respectful behind the scenes. While there is no official word on his exact return date, the door remains wide open. The expectation is that the relationship will continue, but the frequency of his future appearances remains uncertain.