As the NBA Playoffs roll towards the Japanese Convention Finals, Pat McAfee has discovered himself in the midst of the motion – not on the courtroom, however within the WWE ring.
The previous Indianapolis Colts punter and present WWE character has lengthy been a proud supporter of the Indiana Pacers, and now he is placing his private type on the road in assist of his hometown group.
In the course of the Could 19 version of WWE RAW, McAfee was joined ringside by his commentary associate Michael Cole when the dialog turned to basketball.
The pair mentioned the looming playoff showdown between the Pacers and the New York Knicks, two groups with sturdy NBA histories and a pair of celebrity followers – Cole and McAfee themselves.
Japanese Convention Closing Preview: Indiana Heads to The Backyard for Recreation 1
Cole, ever the Knicks backer, determined to boost the stakes on-air. “Two mates of WWE, Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers, Jaylen Brunson of the New York Knicks, large WWE followers.
Faceoff beginning Wednesday night time. Japanese Convention Finals of the NBA Playoffs,” Cole mentioned. Then got here the problem: “Pat, I believe we have to wager on this?”
McAfee did not hesitate. “That is proper,” he responded. “The Pacers win, Cole will do a complete RAW episode in a tank high. And if the Knicks win, I’ll do an episode in a swimsuit like Cole.”
Wager might break custom
That is no small wager for both man. Pat McAfee has grow to be identified for his energetic presence and relaxed, athletic apparel on WWE broadcasts. Swapping tank tops for a tailor-made swimsuit can be a primary.
Equally, the thought of Michael Cole, identified for his clean-cut professionalism, carrying a tank high on nationwide TV is bound to spark laughs.
McAfee even posted the second to X (previously Twitter), guaranteeing followers would maintain monitor of the end result. The wager has rapidly grow to be a speaking level amongst each WWE and NBA followers – a testomony to McAfee’s rising crossover attraction in sports activities and leisure.
This light-hearted wager additionally comes on the heels of McAfee’s current in-ring efficiency at WWE Backlash in St. Louis.
In the course of the occasion, McAfee stood up for Cole after a confrontation with WWE star Gunther, moving into the ring himself. Though the match ended with McAfee being choked out, he received over followers along with his willingness to combat for his good friend.
“I attempted my finest… Arise to your individuals,” McAfee wrote on Instagram after the match. He additionally added on X, “By no means tapped aht. #WWEBacklash,” exhibiting that even in defeat, he maintains his trademark bravado.
McAfee‘s loyalty to Indiana and his dynamic character have helped elevate his profession past soccer. Whether or not within the broadcast sales space, the wrestling ring, or now the NBA Playoffs, he brings the identical fireplace to each area.
And whereas the Pacers‘ title hopes stay unsure, followers are already wanting ahead to the potential payoff of this WWE wardrobe wager – whether or not it is Cole in a tank high or McAfee lastly suiting up.
