WATCH: Pat McAfee delivers Wrestlemania moment with Stone Cold
Former NFL All-Pro Pat McAfee’s debut at Wrestlemania played out in incredible fashion, ending with him receiving a stunner from Stone Cold Steve Austin. McAfee defeated his opponent, Austin Theory, before starting a show match with legendary WWE figure Vince McMahon. McAfee has become a fan favorite for his outspoken personality and former NFL background, and his moment on the Dallas stage was a highlight of the evening.
The match set the stage for a sequel to Saturday’s return of Stone Cold Steve Austin to the ring. As the 76-year-old McMahon celebrated his victory over McAfee, he was interrupted by his long-time enemy Stone Cold — leading to McMahon eating a stunner for the first time in decades. As Stone Cold celebrated in the ring, he called McAfee up to share a beer with him before delivering a stunner to McAfee in a special moment that he will never forget.
Pat McAfee’s debut was a shocking one — due in part to his apparent skill in the ring during his match with Austin Theory. McAfee’s creativity was on display as he used the commentary table as a prop during the fight, at one point picking up a headset and performing commentary on his own match as he fought.
In the ring, McAfee had more opportunity to shine as he successfully performed a backflip off the ropes and landed on his feet. Immediately after, he sprang back up to the highest point of the ropes and performed a suplex to the arena’s cheers. After winning, McAfee reveled in his moment on stage while taunting Vince McMahon — an act that prompted the legendary WWE figure to enter the ring himself.
McMahon’s match with McAfee was a complete surprise to all watching, and was mostly a chance for the 76-year-old to beat up McAfee without too much risk. Then, the moment of the night came as a direct result of Saturday’s marquee moment — Stone Cold Steve Austin returned to the ring to face his long-time nemesis. The 57-year-old Austin proceeded to “share a beer” with McMahon before performing a Stone Cold Stunner like they did so many years before.
As the arena cheered him on, Austin called McAfee up on stage to share in the moment as both drank beers in front of the crowd. Pat McAfee then proceeded to receive a stunner of his own from the wrestling legend — a moment that he likely never expected as he began working in wrestling.