On a recent edition of the “Busted Open Radio” podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray critiqued Pat McAfee’s commentary work on WWE RAW.
Ray said, “I don’t know about Pat lately. You know, people were b******g about Tony Romo on the last play of the Super Bowl, talking over, who was it? Jim Nantz? Talking over him. It’s almost like I feel [that] lately McAfee is throwing stuff in there where it doesn’t belong. He’s forcing stuff, and I never felt that way about Pat before.”
McAfee returned to the WWE broadcast team at the 2024 Royal Rumble pay-per-view event last month.
The former NFL athlete later became part of the new regular broadcast team on RAW with Michael Cole.
In a recent episode of the “Busted Open Radio” podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray shared his thoughts on Pat McAfee’s commentary work on WWE RAW. Ray expressed his concerns about McAfee’s recent performance and compared it to Tony Romo’s commentary during the Super Bowl.
Ray mentioned that he felt McAfee was throwing in unnecessary comments and forcing his input into the broadcast. This was a departure from McAfee’s previous work, where he seamlessly blended into the commentary team without any issues. Ray’s critique suggests that McAfee may be overstepping his boundaries and not allowing his co-commentator, Michael Cole, to have his own moments to shine.
Pat McAfee, a former NFL athlete, made his return to the WWE broadcast team at the 2024 Royal Rumble pay-per-view event. His energetic and charismatic style quickly won over fans and critics alike. McAfee’s unique perspective as a former professional athlete brought a fresh and insightful approach to the commentary booth.
However, with his recent stint on RAW, McAfee seems to be facing some criticism for his commentary style. It is important to note that commentary is a delicate art that requires a balance between providing analysis, enhancing the storylines, and allowing the action in the ring to speak for itself. Finding this balance can be challenging, especially for someone new to the role.
Criticism is not uncommon in the world of professional wrestling, as fans and experts often have differing opinions on various aspects of the product. McAfee’s case is no different. While some may agree with Bully Ray’s assessment, others may appreciate McAfee’s enthusiasm and unique perspective.
It is worth mentioning that commentators play a crucial role in shaping the viewers’ experience. They provide context, add excitement, and help tell the stories unfolding in the ring. Finding the right chemistry between commentators is essential to create an enjoyable and immersive viewing experience for the audience.
As McAfee continues to gain experience and settle into his role on the RAW commentary team, it will be interesting to see how he evolves and responds to the feedback. It is not uncommon for commentators to adjust their style based on audience reactions and constructive criticism.
Ultimately, the success of a commentator lies in their ability to connect with the audience, enhance the product, and work harmoniously with their co-commentators. McAfee has already proven his talent and potential in the wrestling industry, and with time and experience, he may find the perfect balance that satisfies both his own style and the expectations of the fans and experts alike.