at McAfee has reacted to the newly announced streaming partnership between WWE and ESPN, offering congratulations to both companies while also taking a pointed shot at what he called the “mid level, powerless, bum ass suits” within ESPN’s management structure. The post highlights both his excitement for the deal and his well-documented contentious history with certain executives at the network.
“Cheers to the Future”
In a post on the social media platform X, the host of “The Pat McAfee Show” began by praising the landmark agreement. “Congrats to the @WWE and @espn on getting a historic PLE deal done,” McAfee wrote. “Great to see 2 powerhouses of sports and entertainment come together.” He ended his post with an optimistic “Cheers to the future,” accompanied by a GIF from the movie The Blues Brothers.
A Warning to “Bum Ass Suits”
Between his praise, however, McAfee included a sharp critique and a warning aimed at ESPN executives, referencing his own past issues with the network. “I assume all the mid level, powerless, bum ass suits at ESPN will attempt to muddy this somehow (out of context leaks/ignorant anonymous opinions/etc.),” he stated. He added, “but, in the end.. this agreement will outlive the dinosaurs currently guarding desks in Bristol and this deal will be great for ESPN.”
A History of Conflict
McAfee’s comments are a direct reference to his own public feud with elements of ESPN’s management. He has been openly critical of certain executives, most notably Norby Williamson, ESPN’s Executive Editor & Head of Event and Studio Production. McAfee has publicly accused Williamson of attempting to sabotage “The Pat McAfee Show” by leaking negative information and false viewership numbers to media outlets.
A WWE Ally
McAfee has deep ties to WWE, where he has served as a commentator for Friday Night SmackDown and competed in several high-profile matches at events like WrestleMania and SummerSlam. His dual role as both an ESPN talent—whose show is licensed by the network—and a WWE personality gives him a unique and unfiltered perspective on the new partnership between the two companies.
Despite his warning about potential internal sabotage from certain executives, McAfee’s overall message was one of support for the partnership. The new deal will see WWE’s Premium Live Events move to ESPN platforms in the United States starting in 2026.
Congrats to the @WWE and @espn on getting a historic PLE deal done.
Great to see 2 powerhouses of sports and entertainment come together.
I assume all the mid level, powerless, bum ass suits at ESPN will attempt to muddy this somehow (out of context leaks/ignorant anonymous… pic.twitter.com/vFbjHTtktL
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) August 6, 2025
