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WWE star CM Punk torched ESPN broadcaster Pat McAfee in the opening segment of “Monday Night Raw” after the former NFL player was inserted into a major feud ahead of WrestleMania 42.
McAfee aligned himself with Randy Orton as “The Viper” goes for the Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes. McAfee’s appearance on SmackDown and late entry into the feud just weeks before WrestleMania 42 sparked aggravation among pro wrestling fans on social media.
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CM Punk speaks during Monday Night RAW at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas on April 6, 2026. (Craig Ambrosio/WWE)
The former Indianapolis Colts punter explained during his Friday night promo that he wants to change the company for the better and expressed his desire for the company to return to the days of the Attitude Era. He said people like him had been “forgotten”. He doubled down on his criticism during his Monday afternoon show and lashed out at the internet wrestling community, calling them “dips—s.”
McAfee also expressed confusion as to why there were still tickets available for WrestleMania.
Punk, who is in the midst of his own feud with Roman Reigns and will defend the world heavyweight title against him at WrestleMania 42, dedicated the first 10 minutes of “Monday Night Raw” to Reigns. But then he had time for McAfee.
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Pat McAfee kicks Cody Rhodes during SmackDown at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri on April 3, 2026. (Craig Melvin/WWE)
He berated the broadcaster, calling him “Pat MAGA-Fee” in an apparent reference to President Donald Trump’s appearance on his show last year, then took aim at McAfee’s agent, Ari Emanuel, who is also CEO and director of TKO Group Holdings – the parent company of WWE.
“You think you can come here for business, my business, for pro wrestling, and say whatever you want. Well, you just wrote a check that your little a– can’t cash,” Punk said. “You want to talk about ticket sales? Do me a favor, call that agent who was stupid enough to get you involved in this deal and this show and tell him to lower the ticket prices.
“I’ll be damned if I want you, someone who played football for a living, to come to my business and talk to me about selling tickets and installing tickets. You got a receipt.”
PK Press Club Digital has contacted TKO Group Holdings for comment.
WrestleMania 42 is scheduled to take place April 18-19 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Punk and Reigns will certainly be in action with Rhodes taking on Orton. These matches are probably the two main events of the show.
Pat McAfee and Randy Orton join forces on SmackDown at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri on April 3, 2026. (Craig Melvin/WWE)
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The official map is expected to be revealed on Tuesday.
