Pat McAfee has justified his abrupt exit from the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble match that saw the broadcaster eliminate himself.
McAfee, who was also on commentary, was the #22 entrant in the match but eliminated himself rather than face Omos.
Speaking after the match, McAfee argued his reasoning for eliminating himself made perfect sense. He said,
“All of a sudden, 22 up and I’m in the Royal Rumble, nobody gave me the heads up about that. I got my cowboy boots on. Michael Cole let me go in there, that was rude of him I thought we were friends. Then there was a thing in there, 7’3” it was like looking up at a statue of a being. I see little Bron Breaker barking at me, I’m like I’m not supposed to be here right now, I’m not prepared for this.
“Also, who would I be to take a main event spot at WrestleMania spot from somebody? I got my ass out there. Now I went back in thinking ‘Wait a minute, am I just gonna be a coward?’ Then I realized quickly, yeah I am.”
The 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble match was won by Cody Rhodes who became the first man since 1998 to win back-to-back Rumble matches.
Pat McAfee, the former NFL player turned broadcaster, recently made headlines for his abrupt exit from the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble match. McAfee, who was also on commentary for the event, entered the match as the #22 entrant but chose to eliminate himself rather than face off against Omos.
In a post-match interview, McAfee explained his reasoning for eliminating himself and argued that it made perfect sense. He expressed surprise at being thrown into the Royal Rumble without any prior notice and mentioned that he was not mentally prepared to face someone as imposing as Omos, who stands at 7’3″. McAfee also mentioned feeling out of place when confronted by Bron Breaker, another competitor in the match.
Furthermore, McAfee emphasized that he did not want to take away a main event spot at WrestleMania from someone who deserved it more. He admitted that initially, he questioned whether leaving the match would make him a coward, but he quickly realized that it was the right decision for him.
The 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble match was ultimately won by Cody Rhodes, who became the first person since 1998 to win back-to-back Rumble matches. Rhodes’ victory solidified his status as a top contender in the wrestling world.
McAfee’s unexpected exit from the Royal Rumble match generated a lot of buzz and speculation among fans. Some praised his decision, understanding his concerns about facing formidable opponents, while others criticized him for not fully committing to the competition. Regardless of opinions, McAfee’s departure added an element of surprise and unpredictability to the event.
It is worth noting that McAfee has been involved with professional wrestling in recent years, both as a commentator and occasional in-ring performer. His charisma and passion for the sport have made him a popular figure among fans. While his exit from the Royal Rumble may have been unexpected, it only adds to the intrigue surrounding his future involvement in the wrestling world.
In conclusion, Pat McAfee’s decision to eliminate himself from the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble match has sparked discussion and debate among wrestling fans. McAfee’s explanation for his exit sheds light on his mindset and concerns about facing formidable opponents. Whether his decision was justified or not, it has undoubtedly added an element of surprise and excitement to the event. As McAfee continues to be involved in professional wrestling, fans eagerly await his next move and potential future in-ring appearances.