The WWE universe was abuzz with excitement as the WWE Superstars descended upon Lyon, France for the highly-anticipated Backlash 2024 event. However, one notable absentee from the packed card was Pat McAfee, the charismatic commentator who has been making waves on Monday Night RAW alongside Michael Cole.
Speculation was rife about the reason behind McAfee’s absence, but it appears that family commitments took precedence for the popular commentator. Coincidentally, the French PLE event coincided with the first birthday of Pat McAfee’s daughter, Mackenzie Lynn McAfee. It’s likely that McAfee opted to spend quality time with his family on this special occasion, rather than be part of the commentary team in Lyon.
While McAfee’s absence was felt, the commentary duo of Michael Cole and Corey Graves stepped up to the plate, representing RAW and SmackDown respectively. Although the Cole-McAfee combination is widely regarded as one of the best commentary pairings in recent WWE history, it was only fair to give McAfee a well-deserved break to celebrate this milestone with his loved ones.
It’s undeniable that the energy in Lyon was electric, with the French crowd giving the WWE Superstars a thunderous reception. McAfee, known for his infectious enthusiasm and passion for the sport, would have undoubtedly fed off the crowd’s energy.
However, prioritizing family commitments is a testament to the human side of WWE Superstars, often overshadowed by their on-screen personas.
Fans can expect Pat McAfee to return to his familiar spot on WWE RAW this Monday, bringing his signature charm and expertise to the commentary table. As the dust settles on Backlash 2024, the WWE universe can rest assured that McAfee’s brief hiatus was a brief but necessary detour, allowing him to cherish precious moments with his family.