Pat McAfee and Michael Cole’s commentary on SmackDown has been loved by the fans. However, the former will be missing out on tonight’s edition of SmackDown.
Corey Graves set to replace Pat McAfee
Corey Graves announced on today’s episode of WWE After The Bell that he will be replacing Pat McAfee on this week’s episode of Friday Night Smackdown. However, no reason for McAfee’s absence has been given. It is likely this is being done to sell the storyline between McAfee and Happy Corbin.
This will be the post-Money in the Bank episode of the show. Happy Corbin attacked McAfee and accepted his challenge for a match. McAfee is currently set to face Happy Corbin in a match at SummerSlam on Saturday, July 30 at the Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.
Speaking about SmackDown, WWE announced this afternoon that Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus will take place on SmackDown, with the winner earning the right to challenge either Roman Reigns or Brock Lesnar for the Undisputed WWE Universal Title at the WWE Clash at the Castle Premium Live Event.
Earlier this week, WWE announced McAfee had signed a multi-year contract extension with WWE and noted the deal “will see McAfee entertaining the WWE Universe for years to come.”
According to WrestleVotes, the former NFL punter signed the extension several weeks ago, and it was positively received by people within the company. He joined the SmackDown commentary team last year and works alongside Michael Cole on Friday Nights.
“I’m told the Pat McAfee extension was signed a few weeks back, to the thrill of everyone involved. WWE knows exactly what they have in McAfee and were steadfast on making sure they kept him around. Good job on them.”
