• Pat McAfee’s WWE Retirement Confirmed After WrestleMania 42 (Photo)
Pat McAfee returned to WWE earlier this month to reveal himself as the mystery caller talking to Randy Orton. He took shots at the current state of pro wrestling and helped The Viper take out Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes.
The former Colts punter had vowed to never appear in WWE again if Orton lost at WrestleMania 42, and that scenario played out in last night’s main event.
McAfee was taken out by Cody Rhodes and Jelly Roll before the match began and was stretchered out after showing the middle finger to the crowd. He later returned at the end as a referee after Orton attacked official Charles Robinson with an RKO. In a surprising betrayal, Orton then turned on McAfee, before Rhodes ultimately defeated The Apex Predator.
Orton’s loss means McAfee can no longer appear in WWE. This effectively ends Pat McAfee’s WWE career after 8 years. During this time, he competed in a handful of matches while also working as a commentator.
McAfee’s wife confirmed her husband’s WWE retirement by posting the following on her Instagram story:
“First morning since 2017 babe is completely out of the wrestling business, thanks Jelly Roll”
• WCW Wrestler Passes Away
We are saddened to announce that former WCW wrestler Van Hammer has passed away at the age of 66.
Marc Mero confirmed this sad news and issued the following statement:
“It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of our dear friend, Mark Hildreth, known to so many as Van Hammer. At this time, we are still awaiting answers regarding the cause, pending an autopsy.
Mark was a fighter in every sense of the word. Life threw its share of challenges his way, but he had a resilience about him… he always found a way to rise, to push forward, to keep going.
I have so many incredible memories with him that I’ll carry forever. We first met while he was vacationing in Venice, Florida, working out at a local gym. Not long after, I got the call from Dusty Rhodes to come to his office the next day. Mark didn’t hesitate, he drove me eight hours so I could sign my very first contract with World Championship Wrestling. That’s the kind of person he was loyal, selfless, and always there when it mattered most.
We went through wrestling school together, chased the same dream, and before long, he earned his own contract. We even lived together in Atlanta, training, grinding, and building a life around the passion we both shared. We were also chosen to help promote WCW for the United Kingdom Tour, doing countless personal appearances, television spots, and even promotional work alongside Gladys Knight. Those were unforgettable moments… times I’ll never forget.
My heart goes out to his family, his friends, and the fans who supported him throughout his journey. Rest easy, my friend. You will always be remembered.”
Mero shared the following recent photo of him with Van Hammer:
