PMS 2.0 1288 - UNC General Manager Michael Lombardi, Field Yates LIVE From The Senior Bowl, Stephanie McMahon, WWE Superstar Sheamus, & AJ Hawk

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Pat McAfee Show – PMS 2.0 Episode 1288

Release Date: January 30, 2025

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1. NFL Super Bowl Preview

In the opening segment, host Pat McAfee delves into the excitement surrounding the upcoming Super Bowl, analyzing the potential showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. Pat discusses key players and coaching strategies that could influence the game's outcome.

• Patrick Mahomes' Legacy: Pat questions whether Patrick Mahomes will cement himself as the greatest of all time with another Super Bowl win. "[Patrick Mahomes, is he going to cement himself as the greatest of all time for winning three straight?]" [00:00]

• Coaching Prowess of Andy Reid: Highlighting Andy Reid's impact, Pat notes, "Andy Reid, this man has the most wins for both teams that you're currently looking at. Both Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles." [00:45]

• Eagles' Defensive Strength: The discussion also covers the Eagles' defensive strategies, particularly the potential return of linebacker Brandon Graham. "If BG tears his tricep, week 12 plays in the Super Bowl. You're talking legendary shit." [05:46]

2. NFL News and Analysis

Pat and co-hosts AJ Hawk and Ty Schmidt provide updates on recent NFL developments, including coaching changes and player movements.

• Jets Hire Steve Wilkes: The hiring of Steve Wilkes as the Jets' defensive coordinator sparks conversations about the team's defensive future. "What if the Jets don't suck? What if the Jets don't suck? Isn't that crazy to think about?" [12:00]

• Matthew Stafford's Return to the Rams: Pat announces Matthew Stafford's decision to return to the Los Angeles Rams, discussing its implications for the team's dynamics. "Good for Matthew Stafford making the decision to run it back." [15:54]

• Cincinnati Bengals' Strategy: The team’s approach to managing star players like T. Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase is analyzed, emphasizing the balance between drafting and retaining key talents. "We can't have guys at the top of the payroll in every position." [28:10]

3. Senior Bowl Insights

Live from the Senior Bowl, co-host Field Yates engages with guest Michael Lombardi, UNC General Manager, discussing player performances and draft prospects.

• Senior Bowl Performance Highlights: Notable performances from players like Mike Green (Marshall) and Tej Johnson (Oregon) are highlighted. "[Mike Green led the FBS in sacks.]" [35:05]

• Quarterback Evaluations: The discussion focuses on quarterbacks such as Jalen Milroe, analyzing their consistency and potential in the NFL. "He's a really unique player. I do think that whatever team takes him." [47:30]

4. WWE Royal Rumble Preview and Interviews

The episode transitions to the excitement of the WWE Royal Rumble happening in Indianapolis, featuring live interviews with Stephanie McMahon and Superstar Sheamus.

• Royal Rumble Event Details: Pat outlines the event schedule, including live segments and matches scheduled at Lucas Oil Stadium. "This weekend at Lucas Oil Stadium in front of a record-breaking Royal Rumble crowd." [01:28]

• Interview with Stephanie McMahon:

  • WWE's Global Expansion: Stephanie discusses WWE’s partnership with Netflix and plans for international growth. "International is a huge focus, and that's part of one of the reasons why the partnership with Netflix is so important to us." [90:29]

  • Charitable Initiatives: She highlights WWE’s philanthropic efforts, particularly Connor’s Cure, founded in memory of Conor Mahalik. "Connor's cure was founded because of a little boy, you know, named Conor Mahalik, who was impossible not to fall in love with." [103:21]

• Interview with Sheamus:

  • Royal Rumble Strategies: Sheamus shares his mindset going into the Rumble, emphasizing preparation and adaptation. "You just gotta pick yourself back up, you know what I mean?" [143:35]

  • WWE's Evolution: Reflecting on his long career, Sheamus discusses the changes in WWE and his excitement for upcoming events. "The Attitude Era was out of control. It was crazy. To be a part of it on the inside and outside." [91:34]

5. Notable Quotes and Moments

Throughout the episode, several memorable quotes and moments stand out, providing deeper insights into both NFL and WWE perspectives.

• Pat McAfee on Brandon Graham: "You won a Super bowl after tearing your tricep in week 12 and come back, you're remembered as an absolute dog." [09:34]

• Dan Marino Enthusiasm: "Dan Marino and many many more will be stopping by. We can't wait to get down there." [01:28]

• Sheamus on Being a Heel: "I hate being a baby face. It's the worst. The worst." [91:42]

6. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Events

As the episode wraps up, Pat expresses gratitude towards his guests and listeners, and teases upcoming content, including live segments from the Royal Rumble and future interviews.

• Future Show Segments: Pat hints at continued coverage and special segments related to WWE and the NFL. "We're going to keep hammering those young men out there that want to play professional and come see our teach school getting visits lined up." [41:30]

• Royal Rumble Anticipation: The excitement builds around the Royal Rumble event, with plans to cover live happenings and post-event analyses. "This weekend is the first of that and I'm so lucky and pumped to be a part of it all." [124:32]

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Conclusion

Episode 1288 of The Pat McAfee Show offers a comprehensive blend of NFL analysis, player insights from the Senior Bowl, and an exclusive look into the WWE Royal Rumble with esteemed guests like Stephanie McMahon and Sheamus. Through engaging discussions and poignant quotes, Pat McAfee delivers a rich and entertaining episode that captivates both sports and wrestling enthusiasts alike.

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Note: All timestamps correspond to the transcript provided and are indicative of when quotes were made during the episode.

Transcript

[Pat McAfee]

Hello beautiful people and welcome to our humblebell the Thunderdome on this big Thursday, January 30, 2025. This program starts now. Football is wonderful and obviously next week is super bowl week as we will find out if a three peat is happening or if Nick Sirianni and the Philadelphia Eagles will win their first super bowl since Big Richard. Nick Foles led that squad into a wonderful horse poop eating time of Philadelphia the G. The Chiefs are favored by 1 1/2 currently. Will that change next week? We will certainly monitor it. The stories are in abundance for this particular one. Patrick Mahomes, is he going to cement himself as the greatest of all time for winning three straight? How about Travis Kelce? Is he going to get a notch under his belt? Andy Reid, this man has the most wins for both teams that you're currently looking at. Both Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. Will he continue on his dominant tour with this fantastic squad out of Kansas City and then on the other side, Saquon Barkley. Can you win with a run? Heavy run, first offensive line led team in 2025. Everything says yes. But will they be able to beat the team that refuses to lose, which is the Kansas City Chiefs? We shall see. We'll be live in New Orleans from Radio Row starting next Wednesday all the way through Friday. The guests are already stacking up. The guests names are pretty big. I don't want to give anybody away. Dan Marino will be joining us. What?

[AJ Hawk]

Yeah, send it.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah Vic, no flubs. Send it. Dan Marino and many many more will be stopping by. We can't wait to get down there. We also can't wait for this weekend in this beautiful city of Indianapolis, Indiana. The Royal Rumble has invaded Indianapolis and everybody is here, including Stephanie McMahon who will be joining us in the second hour live in the Thunderdome. Wow. Cannot wait to chit chat with her. She'll be joining us and obviously it's an honor to get a chance to call her a friend. Cannot wait for the chat with her about the business, the state of the W, her life and everything else. And then this weekend at Lucas Oil Stadium in front of a record breaking Royal Rumble crowd, magic will be had and we will find out who will be punching a ticket to the main event of Wrestlemania. There will be a 30 woman Royal Rumble, a 30 men Royal Rumble or a ladder match. Battles all over the place and history will be made right inside of the Lodha's Lucas Oil Stadium. Tomorrow night game Brutes field house. We kick everything off at 5pm Eastern on Peacock and all the socials. Michael Cole and I will be hosting the Royal Rumble kickoff. Then that goes into the Friday night smackdown, which then leads into 6pm Eastern kickoff time of Royal Rumble on Saturday. This city is abuzz. This city is alive. The city is thankful that WWE came here and it's a great time to be alive. It's not just me here, obviously. The boys of the talks and table are here at Boston Connor at Ty Schmidt. Royal Rumble Tide massive weekend. Everybod has flooded into our gorgeous city.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah, it's the absolute best. And if you've never experienced a Royal Rumble, I really don't know how to describe it because everyone knows WrestleMania is, you know, like the super bowl equivalent. But the Royal Rumble, I mean, it's. It's bigger than, you know, like a championship weekend. It's kind of its own thing. There's really nothing in the world of sports that's, that's like it. And even if you know you haven't been a WWE fan for a really long time, like if you watch 15 years ago, there's a chance you're going to show up at the Rumble and. And some of your favorite superstars of the past are going to be there. I couldn't be more excited for this weekend because it really is like, you know, if you read the dirt sheets and all that kind of stuff, you know, you can kind of get an idea of what's going around, like what's going on in the business. You have no idea what's going to happen at this event. You really don't. And a lot of times, you know, like, you don't know what's going to happen until, until it happens that night at that time. And people within the WWE don't know. And I think that's why it's like, it's one of the best events not just in the wrestling world, but in the world of sports entertainment.

[Pat McAfee]

Literally anybody can show up at the Royal Rumble and has shown up at the Royal Rumble. Stars of yesterday, stars of tomorrow, stars from other promot promotions show up. And then in the end, one person gets a chance to have their dreams come true in Main Event WrestleMania. Will this be the year that CM Punk gets to go Main Event WrestleMania? Will he win the Royal Rumble? Well, the Second City Saint finally punches ticket after tearing his tricep from the bone last year in the Royal Rumble. How about John Cena? The final. There we go. Is now Drew McIntyre. Obviously Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes are participating in a ladder match. That's going to be absolutely absurd. For those who don't know the American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes is WWE Champion. He's in the middle there with the blonde hair. He comes from a royal family of wrestling. The guy next to him, Kevin Owens there is a Canadian guy. He's a psycho and he certainly said some things about a lot of people. But having him be a part of a ladder match in Lucas Oil Stadium, people that watch back in the day, remember Jeff Hardy just used to do. Shane McMahon used to jump off of whatever. Kevin Owens is a mix of both of those guys and I legitimately cannot wait to see what what happens and the carnage and the chaos and you know who wins this Royal Rumble, both the men and the women. And you know who is going to cement themselves as one of the greatest of all time. Winning a Royal Rumble can certainly help do that. Let's go to one half of the Hammer. Don Cowboys, Tone Diggs. There isn't a betting odds I don't think on the Royal Rumble on espn, better in the official sites. But there is a bunch of them for the super bowl next week. You went through a few of them. Dallas Goedert's over yardage yesterday feels good because the Chiefs have not been able to defend against a tight end and they give him the ball a lot. Is there any other bets that you've been looking at for the super bowl that maybe we should think about snooping around on?

[Boston Connor]

Yeah, a couple tidbits for today. Patrick Mahomes as a favorite of three points or less or a dog in the playoffs is 8 no against the spread and 8 no straight up which is is not a surprise at all. Andy Reid off of a buy. You know we've been talked about a 23 and 4. Okay, 23 and 4. Andy Reid is off of buy technically with this week off is technically aft off of a buy here for Andy Reid in that situation. Those, those are two heavy, heavy, heavy stats going in. The Chiefs favor seven of the last seven games. The Chiefs or sorry, the Eagles have covered their first quarter spread. They're actually plus one and a half in the first quarter of this Super Bowl. So just a, a couple of things, a couple tidbits for today as far as the super bowl is concerned.

[Pat McAfee]

I love that. Also some breaking news out of the Philadelphia Eagles camp. Graham, stud linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles. BG, I believe is what they call him, tore his Tricep Week 12. They have opened his practice window today so he could potentially be playing in the super bowl next weekend. That would be a huge addition to a defense that has been buzzing and flying around. If BG tears his tricep, week 12 plays in the Super Bowl. You're talking legendary shit, folklore shit. I'm pulling for this story to happen, Todd.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah, without a doubt. I mean, that was crazy. I don't know what noise that was. Okay. Yep. Looks like we got. We got some tunes going mid.

[Pat McAfee]

He's panicking, sprinting across the bump box. Bug boy.

[Ty Schmidt]

Okay.

[Pat McAfee]

Bruce Brown's having a morning. How you're doing it, Bruce? You're a. Okay, Bruce. It's all gonna get figured out. Bruce is in charge of figuring out all the tickets.

[Ty Schmidt]

Sure.

[Pat McAfee]

For the Royal Rumble this weekend. Certainly a lot on his plate. People coming in from out of town. Where are they sitting? Where are we sitting? Who's sitting where there's booze bags gonna be? We need to make sure we get it all figured out. Hey, Bruce, you're doing great.

[Stephanie McMahon]

Don't forget it, Bruce.

[AJ Hawk]

Keep going, Bruce.

[Field Yates]

That's on me. I was worried about that for the last two minutes.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. And then it happened, obviously. And just think the worst thing that could happen has happened and it's not the terrible end of the world. So don't worry about it. Maybe stress less, Bruce Brown. And also, when Stephanie gets here, make sure you take care of her. Okay? So. And her team. Let's make sure we're doing a. Okay. Bruce got a lot on his playmate. He does a lot of logistical stuff that I don't think he's prepared for. No, but certainly 0 for 1 with the bump box. Only. Only way we can go is up from here. Bruce Brown. But it's a beautiful Thursday. Here.

[Ty Schmidt]

It is.

[Boston Connor]

He's great in high stress situations.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah, he is great in high stress situations. Everyone says that about Bruce. That's kind of like the 1A of when you're describing Bruce. This guy always performs under pressure. Always does. We love Bruce, but Brandon Graham, this situation, I think is. It is. I mean, like you said, it's. It's legendary. I think there were talks that this might be his last year regardless. So if he were to come back, play in the super bowl, get a sack or have, you know, a massive moment, and if they win, to go out on top like that is the. That is a storybook ending. And like you said, like, this is the Chiefs or. I mean, the Eagles defense is unbelievable. Getting a guy like him back in just for a player to a couple third downs, it's huge.

[Boston Connor]

People remember the stuff like this forever. Remember to came back off of a broken leg to Play in the Super Bowl. Thomas Davis, with his broken forearm came back to play in the Super Bowl. People love this and they'll talk about it forever.

[Pat McAfee]

If Brandon Graham's able, they lost that particular game. Thomas Davis with Carolina Panthers. Although his forearm looked gnarly, to say the least, Cam Newton was asked this morning about MVP or Super Bowl. Would you give up your MVP for the Super Bowl? He said, no, I wouldn't. But then he gave a full answer about, like, there's a lot of people that aren't good at football that have won Super Bowls. There's a lot of great players that haven't won a Super Bowl. There's not a lot of bad players that have ever won an mvp. So I think, you know, the way his answer was taken was kind of out of perception. But you win a Super bowl, you remembered forever.

[AJ Hawk]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

You won a Super bowl after tearing your tricep in week 12 and come back, you're remembered as an absolute dog. Not that BG wouldn't be, but that is something that Nick Sirianni prides himself. Speaking of Nick Sirianni, he'll be joining us tomorrow, 1:30 Eastern. Yeah. Had Andy Reid on yesterday, very close to the vest, didn't tell us anything. Sure. Nick Sirianni, we assume, will be a great conversation tomorrow at 1:30. Cannot wait to catch up with him. How's the team feel? What is the vibes as they travel down to New Orleans? Are they loose? Do they feel like they're the team that's not getting any credit? Because all the story lines are the dynasty, dynasty, the dynasty, the dynasty. Also, Jalen hurts. Is he good enough? He's not good enough. Patrick Mahomes, greatest of all time. I assume Sirianni is utilizing all of those things to stack the chips onto his boy's shoulders. And I can't wait to hear him tomorrow. Con man.

[AJ Hawk]

Yeah, especially because they just lost to him. You know, like a lot of these players, although it will be some of their first super bowl, like Jalen, they just lost to the Chiefs in the Super Bowl a few years ago. There was that story last year about how Jalen's background on his iPhone was the Chiefs celebrating that victory over them. But I'm pumped for this game. You know, a lot of people saying they're not going to watch it. Those people suck. And they're going to end up watching the game. I think it's going to be a great one. You know, you think about the chips that Saquon Barkley has on his shoulder. Let Alone, you know, going in as one and a half point dogs, but just not really being wanted by the Giants. That entire thing, him setting all those records. And then you just think about the vibes like you mentioned. Like. Like my lotta. We showed that clip yesterday of him, you know, pancake in three guys and then, you know, laughing as he's running down the field on the first play against the Commanders. And saquon took it 60 yards to the house. Like, I think this is going to be a great Super Bowl. Definitely better than ones of the past. And who knows if the Chiefs do win. Pat Riley owns the trademark for three peat. He's going to make like a billion dollars. So I know who he's rooting for.

[Pat McAfee]

I think the Chiefs were trying to get ahead of that. Yeah, they were trying to get ahead. Like, is it a Chiefs, Pete? Is it three Chiefs? They wanted to get away from the three peat, I think, because Pat Riley has just raked. Yeah, he's just raked in money off the three peat stuff since the 80s. Genius move. Yeah.

[AJ Hawk]

Got the Bulls twice because they went three in a row twice. Also had the Yankees in the 2000s when they won the World Series. Made a bunch of money off that, I assume. Yeah, Lakers, but that's where it started with him. But if, you know, if he gets 5%. Yes.

[Pat McAfee]

Of every dollar made off of anything that has three peat on it, just. Oh, yeah. Hey, great shirts. How much did you sell there? A million bucks. Sweet. 500,000 is coming to old uncle Pat Riley. Yeah, I'm dealing with a Jimmy Butler situation. Yeah. The Miami Heat might be nowhere near a three peat at this particular situation, but I am. I am for sure. So go ahead and pay the corner, pal. Who's the corner? That is Pat Riley. Genius business decision. All right, we have some breaking news out of the NFL. Steve Wilkes has been hired as the jets defensive coordinator. Steve Wilkes obviously been around the NFL a very long time. Congrats to him getting a gig over there. Aaron Glenn, we assume, will be running the defense. But Steve Wilkes also has very, very, very deep resume of being a successful defensive mastermind in the NFL. What if the jets don't suck? What if the jets don't suck? Isn't that crazy to think about? I like Aaron Glenn. I like the way Aaron Glenn has handled himself. I like the way he didn't bow down to the jets media, too. I think he understands the situation over there. He got Woody Johnson to say, maybe I haven't been the best owner. Maybe the jets are turning the corner. Or is this what always do with the jets? Anytime there's a little bit of change?

[AJ Hawk]

Yeah, jets are the jets. And still, you know, we. We just watched them. It is the Bills division going forward, and all eyes kind of turn to Aaron Rodgers because that is the biggest question mark when it comes to the Jets. But what do you think about the Aaron Glenn saying that he's not going to be Colin Place, that, you know, he is kind of passing it off. Is this one of those moves you bring in a vet like Steve Wilkes?

[Pat McAfee]

I think that's why Steve Wilkes gets the gig. You know, I think obviously Aaron Glenn will be a big piece of what we're doing and strategy. But if you call the plays as the head coach and then you stink and then it's, you know, you give it up, that's not good. Somebody else calls plays, they stink, then you can take it over. You know, that's like a very good move. I think logistically, just for the future, not saying Steve Wilkes will stink. He has not stunk in the past. That's why he is who he is. Been in the NFL a very long time. Great hire, I think, in my eyes for the Jets. But you can't. It's hard to be the head coach, stink as a play caller, then give up the range, kind of lose legitimacy, somebody else doing it. If they stink, think you picking it back up? Always. Good move. Mike McCarthy down in Dallas was doing something similar. Doug Peterson down in Jacksonville is doing something similar. I think this is the right move. And also Aaron Glenn knows he's a leader of men right now, not just a leader of the defense. I like the move by Aaron Glenn.

[Ty Schmidt]

But I think the, the OC thing is the more interesting thing. Right. Because that kind of stems with everything that they're going to do with Rogers. Obviously, they. They need a quarterback of the future. Rogers isn't going to be there for the next five to 10 years, but they need to hire a guy that Rodgers gets along with who runs a similar kind. You know, they're not going to bring in a guy and then make Rogers learn a completely. I mean, you wouldn't think they would. Yeah, they might, but you'd think he's going to want a guy who kind of runs that primary, like west coast offense, you know, that he's used to. So we'll see. Like that. It's kind of all eyes on that. And I guess that starts with, are you going to bring Rogers back or not?

[Pat McAfee]

And does Rogers want to play? I mean, there's so Many things and who knows what the deadline is. We have not reached out to Aaron, Aaron Rodgers or Glenn to get an answer on that. I don't think that would be right for us to do, especially because we talk into microphones. But I think Aaron Glenn said that there has been texts exchanged with Aaron Rodgers. I think Aaron Rodgers, from what we know has great respect for Aaron Glenn. I assume Aaron Glenn has the same exact thing for Aaron Rodgers. A lot of decisions have to be made on that front before it happens. But I don't think the jets are going to be picking an offense coordinator around Aaron Rodgers. Personally. I don't think because I believe if he comes back the plan is going to be to get a young guy, him watch Aaron and then hopefully hand off the reigns for the future.

[Boston Connor]

I wouldn't think so either. You don't? I don't think you want to hire your future OC based off of potential. Maybe one year with Aaron, you know, and just kind of put your, your whole future into that. But I like what I like with the Wil hire and what I like with all these first time head coaching hires is when they get a DC or an OC or someone on their staff that has been a head coach before Now. Wilks was a interim head coach with the Panthers but he did a great job with that Panthers team. So good that all the players wanted him and the Carolina Panthers to hire him. They did not do that. But like a guy with head coaching experience in running a team with a first time head coach I think is always a good idea.

[Pat McAfee]

I think so too. More news. Matthew Stafford will be playing next year. Congratulations to Matthew Stafford making the decision to run it back. He looked great this year at the end. You know, there was a lot of moments where we thought the Rams could go on and win the whole damn thing somehow out of nowhere, very young defense obviously. Puka Nakua and Cooper cup and Kyron Williams and that offensive line that figured out how to block Luck because they were a crew that was getting kind of buried early in the year. And last year Matthew Stafford deciding to come back. Good for him. Good for Matthew Stafford. I love that one of the old guard is still kind of doing it unless need talked about it actually. And here's what he had to say. Number one, do you, could you see a scenario where you would trade Stafford and if you did, do you think that's something that you guys would try to do quickly as opposed to dragging it out out?

[Field Yates]

Yeah, it's on that one.

[AJ Hawk]

I think Matthew probably disturbed our Rejuvenation period.

[Pat McAfee]

Because I think we did play in the division around that year.

[Field Yates]

And, and then maybe a week later is when he, when he, when it leaked that, hey, he, he would like to be trading. The Lions were thinking of trading, so we had to get back to work.

[Pat McAfee]

A little bit quicker than we wanted to.

[Field Yates]

But I, I, I haven't on trades.

[Pat McAfee]

Gary, too.

[AJ Hawk]

It's, that's one thing, too.

[Field Yates]

It'll take someone calling or us reaching out if we want to do. That's the things that will be determined.

[Pat McAfee]

Down the road here. Okay. Yeah. We have no idea what's going to happen. There's a lot that has to get figured out. Les need has done a great job building that roster. Remember, they go all in. They go all in to win that super bowl in Los Angeles. They do. They did. Then what are you going to do on the other side? You know, you kick the can down the road. Kick the can down the road. Inevitably, that can is not going to have any more road to get kicked down. It's going to be staring you right in your dumb face. They did that. They were able to adjust. They got great usage out of their draft picks, even though they didn't have a lot of draft picks. Remember, his entire thing was, fuck them, draft picks. Now he's got young guys in very important positions. He's able to manage the roster. And Matthew Stafford coming back, look out for the Los Angeles Rams out there in a battle for LA as the Chargers also on an upswing. Good for both of them.

[Field Yates]

Yeah.

[AJ Hawk]

Awesome. And with the Rams, like you mentioned, I think earlier in the week, they were one of those teams early on in the season where it's like, hey, they might trade everybody. They have Cooper cup was heard and they were talking about him being a guy who's going to get moved. And then when they beat the Vikings on that, you know, last second, kind of controversial face mask on Sam Darnold is when their whole entire season turned around. And, you know, they have so much young talent. Like, why would Stafford, you know, want to get out of there? He's kind of rumored to get traded. It feels like every year, whether that's some sort of contract negotiation or something along those lines, but when it comes to less need, basically everything that he does, I feel like now is, hey, probably the right move just because of them winning the super bowl and them being able to turn it, you know, around so quickly.

[Pat McAfee]

And Sean McVeigh. Yeah, I think we have faith in Sean McVeigh.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Already a Super bowl champ. So he's already cemented as a guy that can get it done. So damn young. And literally, Liam Cohen just gets a gig. You know, his coaching tree is starting to become bigger than a lot of the greats that have ever been around there.

[Boston Connor]

It might be one of the. Already one of the biggest coaching trees of all time. I mean, like, literally, if we talked about a couple of years, like a cup of coffee with McVay, get you a head coaching job, and I feel like that may have died down for a year or two, but, I mean, we are fully back into it. The. I don't know, probably 12 teams, 13 teams is basically. Basically from his coaching tree.

[Pat McAfee]

Also, Raiders are bringing back Patrick Graham as their defensive coordinator. Congrats to Patrick Graham. Congrats to the Las Vegas Raiders. Max Crosby spoke to Jim Gray about Pete Carroll. Just said his energy is the one thing that he has realized. Joining us now is a man who has deep history with the Raiders is he's currently the general manager of the University of North Carolina Tar Heel football team. Friend of the program, ladies and gentlemen, Michael Lombardi. How we doing?

[Stephanie McMahon]

I love Chuck. I love that Chuck gave you the donuts. You gotta love Chuck. You can't. You can't. You know, what a great guy.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. Congratulations. I mean, we're. I'm pretty excited that Chuck isn't going to be bringing in 50,000 calories every single Thursday. But we will miss his presence, as we will miss, obviously, you, as you continue to win, work on your UNC GM job. Let's talk about the Raiders here, though. Obviously, you have deep history and love for that particular franchise. You like the Pete Carroll hire. You like Pete Carroll becoming their guy. And what do you think he brings to the Raiders that maybe they haven't had for a while?

[Stephanie McMahon]

Well, I think sometimes these owners need to buy credibility, right. Because they've made so many mistakes along the way that they have to buy somebody who brings them credibility in the building. And Pete Carroll, who will, you know, whatever people want to say out outside the NFL and in the media. Pete Carroll has had an NFL hall of Fame coaching career. If you just look at what he's been able to accomplish in Seattle, the winning that he did there, going to two Super Bowls, winning one, you know, he gets his team into the playoffs. I think, to me, the Raiders bought credibility. They needed it, and they needed somebody who's going to give them some competitive nature within the framework of how they're going to play. I think it's a great hire. He's a young, 73. He's got incredible, incredible energy. I think he'll. He'll be able to walk in front of that team and get in front of them and have. Have the ability to say, fellas, if you want to win a Super bowl, this is what you have to do. And look, when they went out there with John Schneider, when they started in Seattle, when he left to go from SC there, they were not a good team in Seattle. And between him and John Snyder working together, they rebuilt that team with a great defensive front. Michael Bennett, Cliff Averill, all those great players up front that they had. And that's why they were able to win Super Bowls in terms of. They were dominating in their scheme.

[Pat McAfee]

What do you think he did this entire last year, Pete Carroll? We didn't hear much from him. He was hanging out with Washington and you guys up there for a little bit, I think, with the, the Huskies.

[AJ Hawk]

Was there anything else teaching at usc?

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, he had, like, he's a professor for a bit. What do you. Because, like, we know Bill traveled around to a lot of different colleges to kind of see how it is. Chuck has remained dialed in throughout, literally since he retired. We assume Pete stayed with the game, stayed in to get. How do you think he spent this past year, and what do you think has either helped him become a head coach again, or do you think he's just going to pick up where he left off?

[Stephanie McMahon]

I think the year off always helps somebody, especially it refreshes you, recharges you. Plus, you know, you go through that period of, wait a minute, somebody didn't want me. You know, I feel like I have a lot still to prove. And when you've got a career like Pete's had, where he's won a national championship in college, won a Super Bowl, I think you want to go out there and go out on your own terms. I think Pete wanted to stay in Seattle. The organization made a decision to move on, and I think he wants to prove it was a wrong decision. So when you're out of football, I think you're constantly evaluating, what can I do better in the next job I get? What do I need to improve on? Where were the mistakes I've made? You do this ongoing autopsy of your career, and I think you have to do it every year, whether you've been fired or not. It's the only way you can improve. I mean, after a year here in North Carolina, we're going to go through an extensive understanding of what we did well, what we didn't do well. We've done it after the portal. We'll do it after recruiting. Because the only way you get better is to learn from your mistakes. And I think Pete's one of those people who's very curious. You know, he listens to a lot of leadership podcasts. I know that. So I'm sure he's ready to take it up another level.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, we can't wait to watch Pete back there with the Raiders. And once again, we all feel the same way, as I believe you do. The NFL is better whenever the Raiders are rolling, especially with a city like Las Vegas, who's never had a great NFL team until maybe next year. Let's go down to Duval. Ty has a question for you.

[Ty Schmidt]

Lambo, what do you think about Jacksonville hiring Liam Cone? We've seen all the stuff come out. Obviously, he's getting killed for saying Duvall in his press conference and not really knowing the cadence. And then all the stuff's coming out from Tampa about him. Him pissing off the front office and a lot of coaches with the way he left there. He only has five years of NFL coaching experience, but he's, you know, well respected. Coming from McVeigh's tree, do you think they made the right hiring? Is he ultimately a guy who's going to be able to turn around Jacksonville?

[Stephanie McMahon]

I think it's a really hard job. You know, they're not going to play at home for the next two years. So you've got a lot of. Lot of obstacles that you're not in control of. I think one of the things you have to do in Jacksonville is changed culture. You've got to convince people down there that you know how to win. I think there was a team that needed to buy credibility more than anything, and I hope Liam can do that. But as a young coach with five years, he's going to have to win people over at every single staff meeting, every single team meeting, and show that, you know, look, we can win this thing. The Bucs lost a playoff game, so he doesn't come in there with the stature of saying, hey, follow me, guys. I know how to win Super Bowl. He's going to have to show that they can win. I think Jacksonville has that losing mentality that they're going to have to erase because it just naturally flows. Something bad happens, it's going to continue. I think he's got a challenging leadership job ahead of him. I don't know who's going to help him, whether they stay with the interim general manager or they find somebody outside, but I think it's a huge job. I really do. I think he's got a lot ahead of him because becoming a head coach at any level is hard. Becoming a first time head coach at a job that's challenging is going to really tax him. I don't think he even remotely understands the terrain that lies ahead of him.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. And you know, you can be a goober in your opening press conference. We've seen that before and end up working out. We've seen it end up not working out. We would like to reserve judgment on any of these coaches. Can you really tell if a guy's going to suck as a head coach? You have no idea, Right. If a first time head coach is going to be good or not, Right?

[Stephanie McMahon]

No. I think you need to, you know, look to me, I think you need to see their leadership skills immediately. Are they going how they hire coaches? I think are they going to hire their friends? Are they going to hire the best person for the staff? That's the first to me, that's the first look at what you're dealing with. Are they going to be head coaches or they're going to be subcontractors? I know Liam said he's going to call plays. That's great. But is he going to be involved with the defense? Everybody wants Jacksonville to fix Jervis Lawrence. Jacksonville's lost so much. They need to fix their franchise. Right. It's like us coming here at North Carolina said all we have to do is fix the quarterback. No, we've got to fix everything if we want to get to the next level. And I think that's Liam's challenge, too. You've got to be able to work in all areas as a head coach or else the rest of the organization feels like you're not paying as close attention to him. So he's got a challenging job and I hope they give him a support system to help because these young coaches are out there on an island. I think after you've been fired from your first time as a head coach, you realize, I'm sure if you talk to Robert Sala today, he would say, wow, there's so much I didn't know that I know now.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. And Robert Sala back as the defense coordinator for San Francisco 49ers. We assume his name will be up for another head coaching gig at some point. And that second time around has been very good for a lot of people. Head coach is not easy, not easy at all. He won't even remember that Duvall in about two weeks because the amount of Shit that's gonna come across his desk. We're pulling for him legit. We would like everybody to have great success. Hopefully he's able to do it. You bringing up the point about not having a home game in two years is a very good one, too, because they're doing stadium renovation. Right. Aren't they building a full stadium? Okay. So that's a task in of itself, having to manage that because that's more distractions. Anything that is a distraction from winning is going to be tough to navigate. Hopefully Liam's able to do that. There is a chance he doesn't, though. Coaches end up stinking in the NFL. We hope he's not one of them. Connor has a question for you. Lombo.

[AJ Hawk]

Yeah, Lombo. Different kind of situation in Cincinnati. Duke Tobin came out and he kind of Talked about how Ja'Marr Chase is obviously a priority as far as a contract goes. But then you think about, you know, T. Higgins, Trey Hendrickson. He said, look, hey, we can't be paying, you know, top dollar at multiple positions around the league. The exact one was we can't have guys, guys at the top of the payroll in every position. Right. How do you think they go about assembling their team? And how do teams not fall into this kind of category like the Cowboys are in now, and seemingly the Bengals are in, where you're paying three guys, you know, 50% of your cap, but you kind of have to hold on to those guys because of how productive they are.

[Stephanie McMahon]

Yeah, well, you want to hold on to them. You just got to draft really well. I mean, the Rams got away with it. I know. I listened to what Les said before I came on, and Lesbian has done a great job of rebuilding that defensive front with the draft. And to me, if you're Duke Tobin, you've got to say, I've got to sign Hendrickson. He's my best pass rusher. He gives me a presence on defense. I love to sign T. Higgins, but unless I get T for the right deal, I'm going to have to draft somebody. I'm going to have to find again. It's the same thing whether you're in pro football or college football. They're replaceable parts and they're non replaceable parts. And I think when you're talking about a great pass rusher like Hendrickson, they're hard to find. They just don't come walking down the street. You got to pay him, and you're going to have to pay him. You can never overpay for great. But what Happens is when you start overpaying for good, you get in trouble. And I think that's something that Cincinnati can't do. Look, Cincy has been. Look, the offensive line has been a mess. Their defense hasn't been very good because of the way they practice and because of the way they. They don't really demand physicality. Look, the reality of it is, is teams that can't run the ball don't play good run defense. I mean, that's just a fact. Look, the Rams, one of the areas they have to improve on is their running game. They were 31st in the national Football League in yards per attempt, and guess What? Their defense was 26 and allowing yards per attempt. Those two things have to go together, and Cincy never puts those two together. I think it's one of the hardest defensive coordinator jobs in football because of the way they approach offensive football in Cincinnati. They never run it. They really don't manage the game correctly. They just want to score, score, score, and all of a sudden they're in a scoring duel and they end up losing. So Duke's got a challenge, but he's going to have to draft really well.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay, so let's stick with the Cincinnati Bengals and T. Higgins situation. You think he's going to be okay without Jamar Chase? Obviously, there was a lot of games where Jamar was not playing. Obviously there was games without Joe Burrow playing and everything like that. You think he's going to be able to become a true number one somewhere if it's not in Cincinnati?

[Stephanie McMahon]

I think he can be. I think they're going to have to move him around. I think he is certainly a dynamic player, and I think if he goes to the right team where he is, let's call him a one where he also has inside slot receiver, a tight end, then I think he becomes a player. Because remember, when you have Chase on the field, everybody's rolling the coverage or trying to double him some way. Now, they did a good job in Cincinnati this year, motioning him, keeping him away from double teams. But I think Tee's really talented, and I think T can go somewhere and be a really good player. You put T. Higgins on a team like the 49ers, my lord, you know, he could end up shining because they've got other players around him, and then he looks really good. Brandon Aiuk would be even better with someone like T or Debo or someone there. So, yeah, I think he's. And here's the problem that Duke has. Duke's not going to Be able to pay what other teams are going to pay, because people are going to overpay for T. Higgins in the sense that they need him.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. Got the Patriots over here saying, give them to me.

[AJ Hawk]

A lot of cat space, right? Talking about overpay.

[Pat McAfee]

You got the packers here saying, give them to me. And then people in Indianapolis, fans of the Colts, they're saying, he'd be great here, especially because we got Pittman already on one side, Alec on the other side. T would be great to open up the entire offense. I assume there's a lot of teams that are envisioning potential T. Higgins on their offense, making them better. And anytime that happens, you know, all you need is two to really drive up a price. If there's more than that, you're talking congrats to T. Yeah, congrats. You've earned it, brother.

[AJ Hawk]

Welcome to New England.

[Pat McAfee]

And also all the Mike up segments I've seen from T. Beloved by his teammates, like, absolutely beloved by his teammates. And him not being the number one guy, I think there's a sense of humility that comes with that. I think there's a sense of work that comes with that. I think he is a prized possession of this particular free agency.

[AJ Hawk]

And before the season, there was that entire video he released of him from his car, knowing, like, hey, this is probably my last year in Cincinnati, but still going out there and playing and not causing any problem.

[Pat McAfee]

And his mom came out and was like, he's going to do what's right. He's going to go do this entire thing. I mean, he is a guy that could potentially change your offensive franchise. We shall see how.

[Stephanie McMahon]

And I think what people lose sight of too here, Pat, is since he's not a tax free state, so, you know, Duke's not going to be able to match the deal that someone else puts out there.

[Pat McAfee]

And.

[Stephanie McMahon]

And because he's not in it. Whereas if he were in, say, Houston, Houston could get close because of the tax implications. Don't ever, don't ever think that that's not a big factor in these deals, because it is. You know, you go to Massachusetts, he's going to pay a hefty sum. The Patriots are going to have to pay way more than, say, the Raiders did if they sign them.

[Pat McAfee]

You're talking about Taxachusetts.

[AJ Hawk]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Is that what you're talking about?

[AJ Hawk]

That is what you're talking about. But.

[Stephanie McMahon]

Or any of those states. Right. Any of those. You're just. I mean, that's just the cost of doing business.

[Pat McAfee]

Taxation without representation up There in Massachusetts now places known as there's representation Tea.

[Stephanie McMahon]

Party was there Connor. I mean I. I don't want to disrupt you Connor. I understand you want him there.

[Sheamus]

I know now alone.

[AJ Hawk]

But you get it. And that teased still at the bottom of that harbor. Don't you forget it, brother. But I mean that that's happened these last two years though with IU gang Calvin Ridley. That was a conversation and they did overpay and overshoot everyone else because of.

[Pat McAfee]

Tax and how did it work out?

[AJ Hawk]

We don't need to talk about that. Drake May Pro Bowler. That was before Drake May was a Pro Bowl. He's a Pro bowl quarterback.

[Pat McAfee]

All right, let's move away from the NFL. Let's go to trying to get into the NFL. AP Tone has a question for you. Lambo Lumbo.

[Boston Connor]

One of those reasons why T is, you know, coveted so much is because it's not. The wide receivers in this upcoming class aren't like the ones that we've had in the past few classes. They say right now, but right now, on my timeline, it's all Shrine Game. It's. It's all Senior Bowl. It's all highlights from that stuff. Where do these, the, the Shrine Game and the Senior bowl, where does this rank in the process of the draft process and, and for. For guys like you, for GMs, for scouts and stuff like that.

[Stephanie McMahon]

I wish Chuck was still here today because we could reminisce about watching the Senior Senior Bowl 12,000 times with Al Davis. I mean, that's all we watched. And people say, well, why did you watch one game all the time? We would watch practices and we would watch the game because college football is about level of competition. That's really what it's about. And the Senior bowl, historically, going back to my first year in 1984 when Bruce Smith played in the game and Jerry Rice played in the game and some great players played in the Senior Box bowl is you get good on good. You don't have to worry about who we playing, who's the guy across from them, who they block and who's the corner. And so the Senior bowl tape for scouts and organization is a valuable tool. The other value that goes into the game is can players improve their way from Monday when they start practice till Saturday when the ball gets kicked in the air? Are they improving using NFL techniques and fundamentals? And it's different there than in college. So I think it's huge for every player to go in there. If I were a quarterback and I represented a quarterback from College. I want my player to play in the Senior bowl because there's no blitzing. It's either cover three or one man. The middle of the field is always going to be closed and you're not getting blitzed. And if you can't succeed in that offensively, then you've got no chance to play in the NFL.

[Pat McAfee]

They're saying Taz is really showcasing well out there at Oregon. He's a great Turner as well if you need him. Quick as a hiccup. Absolute stud. Getting a chance to take on corners, one on ones. Obviously something that's going to be watched very closely for wide receivers and corners. A few snaps ago, we saw Mike Green out of Marshall, led the FBS in sacks. Just deboing a guy from Ole Miss, I believe. No, Oregon. I'm sorry, Oregon tackle. He's never going to get the chance to play against Oregon tackle as the Marshall Thundering Herd. So whenever he runs somebody over like that, obviously he's going to open scout's eyes. As a Senior bowl hall of Famer, hell yeah. Okay, true. As a Senior bowl hall of Famer, I will say it was an honor to get a chance to meet everybody down there. What's happening in the lobby and handshaking is an extension of the combine is what they're saying. The meet and greet, the face to face time. And seeing people is a big deal.

[Stephanie McMahon]

Right down there, no question. And you get to see them in an environment. And the best time to really spend time in Mobile is when everybody goes home. Today's Thursday. Most of the NFL teams will go home. And if you stay for Friday and then you stay for the game, you really get more time with the kids because most teams have gone home from their week. And I think it really gives you a chance to see. Plus you want to see how the kids behave and prepare for the game. I think that's really important. You know, you want to watch games on players. We spend too much time watching highlights. You know, you should watch a quarterback look, you know, when you're watching a quarterback play in high school, I don't want to watch all the throws he makes. I want to watch what happens after he gets sacked. I want to watch what happens after, you know, he has a bad play. I want to see the next play that's never on the highlight tape. And when you're down there at the Senior bowl and you're watching games or the, the full game, you see that.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, I, I enjoyed my time down there. Wasn't able to do much you know, because there's only one field, so kickers, punters, you don't really get a lot of opportunity.

[Stephanie McMahon]

Thomas, Morse, you know, Pat, people saw you boom the ball, though. That's really. You know, they could see that. And this way you didn't have to worry. You know, all what you want to do at the Senior bowl is put. Put the question, man, we need to do more work on that guy, or we need to spend more time with that guy. And then all of a sudden, that momentum will build, you know, because what's happened is they don't really have a great look at you through college, because now they see a lot. Live is always better than watching tape.

[Pat McAfee]

I think they got a chance to hear it. You know, the ball come off my foot. I legitimately think that was what the difference. I think they got a chance to hear it and like, oh, shit, wait a second. This guy's got.

[Stephanie McMahon]

I think that's a great point, because it's like a golf shot. I mean, how many times when you see them hit that golf ball the way it sounds.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah.

[Stephanie McMahon]

It's the same thing with you punters. Great punters have a different sound than average punters.

[Pat McAfee]

Bingo. Like, if I was to go to the combine, which I think I'm going to be down there for the specialist this particular year, I'm going to get a chance. And I wasn't invited to the combine. I was invited to the Senior bowl as a kicker, but I was punting and kicking at the practice, before the practices. It's like, you can tell by the sound. I think, like, for me, anytime I went to a kicking camp, this is no offense to anybody that I was at the camp with. And Thomas Morstead, who's still punting in the NFL, was at some of those camps. It's like you can just hear the difference. There's levels to this entire thing. At the combine, if I was to be scouting somebody, it'd be like, I want to hear who's out there first. And then once I hear it, let's go see if their form is worth a shit at all. And if they're. They can pound it and boom it and her form's okay. This is probably going to be a guy. Now you got to figure out mentally if there's somebody. All the other positions, you know, there's certain things you're looking for. Like, I think they want to see the ash of some of those DNS and some of those offensive linemen, but then the sound, too, of the thud that these guys Are bringing, I think is a big deal, which is why boots on the ground is so damn important. I enjoyed my time down in Mobile. Absolutely enjoyed it. Most of the practices, though, I was just making like one handed catches, just trying to showcase my athleticism on the sideline. Like, hey, I could throw this thing 70 yards if I had to. Like anything to try to make myself look like I was a little bit more of an athlete. But congrats to all the guys that get invited to the Senior bowl. And also congrats to the Shrine bowl people. No offense.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

You know, because Nagy puts out a tweet that says, like, all right, scouts, recalibrate your eyes. It's time for the Senior Bowl. In the Shrine bowl, guy got all offended. It was like, I don't think he was talking shit. I guess you could take it as talk. I think he was just saying, like, recalibrate your eyes. Like there's a whole new batch of people. But the Shrine bowl guy was like, you don't have to bury us to put yourself. It's like, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. It's all good. We're all scouting, we're all trying to get guys into the NFL. The Senior bowl, though, has been the thing for the longest. Let's talk about the super bowl now, Lambo. We're over a week away, obviously, and there's some storylines developing. Nothing will really start cooking until next week. Today Brandon Graham got announced. His practice window has been open after tearing his tricep in week 12. That is certainly something. Everything else is just seemingly Chiefs versus Eagles. Two different styles here. Eagles are a 1990s football team. They're going to pound the rock. They got the most explosive player on the field and Saquon Barkley whenever he has it. And then the Chiefs just win. They're coming off off their best offensive performance by far of the entire season. How are you looking at this as we're about a week away and what should we be thinking about as we talk about it?

[Stephanie McMahon]

Well, I think we should spend a lot of time thinking about Andy Reid going against Vic Fangio and there's a lot of examples of that when he was in Denver. He's the head coach of the Denver Broncos, so you got a lot of tape to watch. I think Andy Reid has spent most of his week this week watching Denver Broncos vs the Kansas City Chief. What will Vic Fangio try to take away? I understand the Chiefs offense is different, but Vick has a certain style that he wants to play and I think Andy will Study those four games or six games, how many they were in Vick's tenure. I think he was there for three years. His tenure in Denver will really be the. Providing the launch pin for what the game plan will be for Andy Reid as he goes forward, because he's got the tape, and he'll see from game one to game four how he wanted to play him. And look, this chief team. Team, you know, forget about all the nonsense about the officials and all that. They just know how to win, right? They know what it takes to play, and they knew they needed to score more points. They revved up their offense last week, and then they were able to make the plays that they needed to to win the game. And it's the same thing with Philadelphia. I mean, Philly, you know, was probably anticipating playing Detroit, and Washington took care of that, so they were able to get in this game, and they let Jalen Hurt kind of take over a little bit and wear the Washington commanders down. So I think it's a great game, but I think both teams are peaking at the right time. There's no question.

[Pat McAfee]

I think so, too. We're in for a great one. I'm excited for it. Lambo, we can't thank you enough for making time. Thanks, guys. What are we doing right now? We're still scouting, we're recruiting.

[Stephanie McMahon]

We got a couple more days on the road, and we're going to keep hammering those young men out there that want to play professional and come see our teach school getting visits lined up. Pat, we got. We got a long way to go that we're working on a lot of things, so it'll be fun. It's great.

[Pat McAfee]

Realistic expectations next year. Have you guys put that out there yet or no? Are we trying to win it all all the time?

[Stephanie McMahon]

I think we're just, you know, we're going to stick with the Belichick mantra, which I'm just trying to get better today. That's all I'm worried about. I got to get a little bit better today. If I do that, I'll be good.

[Pat McAfee]

You're the man, ladies and gentlemen, guys, Multiple time Super bowl champion. Lombardo. We'll be joined by Vanderfield Yates here in a matter of moments. He's live, live down at the Senior Bowl. Can't wait to get his kind of takeaway on everything. Lambo is just like 4,000 miles an hour all the time.

[AJ Hawk]

He's the best and the best.

[Pat McAfee]

He's got an answer for everything. Never has said, you know, I haven't thought about that, like, legitimately ever, ever. He has thought about everything all the time. Vic Fangio versus Andy Reid. That's a beautiful thing. You were holding up seven. What's that, a six?

[Boston Connor]

So they played six times when he was with the Broncos, two times when he was with the Dolphins, I believe. And I think Patrick Mo Holmes and Andy Reid are eight.

[Pat McAfee]

No.

[Boston Connor]

Against Vic Fangio. If I. If I. Oh, yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

That was a stat that hit the Internet last night. I forget who tweeted it. Somebody said, not for nothing, Dash Mahomes pretty good against Vic Fangio in. In this entire thing. Now, this defense with Vic Fangio a little bit different than the defenses that Vic Fangio has had in the past.

[Boston Connor]

It is 100%. I mean, the playmakers that he has with the Eagles is much different also, you know, Patrick Mahomes is good against.

[Pat McAfee]

A lot of people. Well, and also Jaylen Carter.

[Boston Connor]

Bingo.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. Little different animal.

[AJ Hawk]

It's a little new. They also have two rookie cornerbacks, too, so it's not as if they've been in the league for very long.

[Pat McAfee]

Jalen just knowing it's the last game. Not that he ever saves anything. Okay. I'm not saying he plays like 98% of the staffs. It's absolutely unbelievable, especially with what was being said about him whenever he came in. This guy's a workhorse, actual workhorse dog. Can't wait to talk to Nick Sirianni about him tomorrow. But there is an obvious difference in plays. When he's trying, like whenever he decides, like, yeah, I'm going to beat you on this play. He comes out of his three point stance and you just see every person that he's ever. He just presses him and then it's a swipe and then he's in the backfield. Chaos. Completely. Patrick Mahomes has done well with that, though. That is. Patrick Mahomes has done very well with that throughout the. Are they not going to do that? Are they just going to try to keep Patrick Mahomes in the pocket? Because that is when Patrick Mahomes allegedly is not at his best when he's extending plays. Making the Mahomes magic is when. When Mahomes is Mahomes. I'll be interested to see what Vic Fangio tries to do, but you can't overthink it either. You got to be yourself. Yeah. Fascinating game of chess, especially with two weeks to prepare for it. It's like, do we do too much? Do we do our shit? Do we change? Do we not? There's so much going on behind the scenes right now. That's why whenever we get to the game, it's exciting to watch that first drive. Like, okay, you can tell what they're declaring they're going to be doing. And that's why the first 15 is so important.

[Field Yates]

Yeah.

[AJ Hawk]

And you kind of saw it against Jaden Daniels too. Like if you know Jaylen Carner is pushing the pocket. Crazy. And Mahomes does have to escape. Like Nolan Smith runs a 43 so like that he can run in space as well. So it is, I mean this is a great matchup. I, I great. Truly cannot wait for the Super Bowl. I can't believe the thought that you're not going to watch is even out there for something that's over.

[Pat McAfee]

I, I think that kind of passed. I hope so. Joining us now live from the Senior bowl is a man who has obviously been in scouting departments Indiana NFL before. He's a fantasy football guru for espn. Friend of the program, ladies and gentlemen, Vanderfield Yates.

[Michael Cole]

Wow, the air not bad, right?

[Pat McAfee]

You look so.

[Michael Cole]

Can the glasses stay on or no?

[Pat McAfee]

Yes. You can do whatever the hell you need to do, buddy. This is maybe the coolest looking dude that's ever been on our show. Yeah. Thank you, Field. Geez Louise. How's the weather? How's the weather down there? It's cold everywhere. It looks like it's okay in movie.

[Michael Cole]

70 degrees for the past three days. It's unbelievable. And you know, listen, I'm a northeast guy. I live in Connecticut full time. I haven't had anything other than like a hoodie for three straight months on. So this is tremendous. I am soaking up every last bit sun before the Senior bowl practices include a couple hours.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay. As you should. We're happy for you. We'll try to embrace the 70 degree weather via osmosis here. What has been the big thing that has stuck out down there? I know there's been a lot of heat on Jalen Milroe maybe not performing that great. Mike Green there out of Marshall, obviously Debo in the Oregon tackle and one on ones has been a story. Tej Johnson, Oregon wide receiver, has been stealing some headlines. What are the storylines of this year's Senior Bowl? You think Vanderfield?

[Michael Cole]

Yeah, you're on it right there with a lot of those. I'd say that one of the cool things for this year is this is the first real full year we've had in which juniors were allowed to participate in their Senior Bowl. So I think there's a chance that the top end Talent from this class by the time it's all said and done in April ends up being about as good as you've seen from the Senior Bowl. That really has been one of the big themes this week. But at the top of the board, you mentioned some of the guys that have made their biggest marks. There's a good crew of pass rushers here this week. Mike Green, you mentioned it went viral yesterday for decleaning Josh Connerly, who by the way himself, I think he's going to go in the first 15 to 20 picks out of Oregon, Donovan Ezraku from Boston College, other name that had such a good first couple of days and he is now no longer at the Senior Bowl. Kind of guys that are doing exactly what they need to do to prove to NFL teams that the perception of those players coming into the week was accurate. And the quarterbacks are always going to be one of the big storylines. And in this second practice we'll have Jaylen Milro and Jackson Dart, two SEC quarterbacks who go about their business business in very different ways. I think we've kind of seen with Jalen Milro sort of the, the peaks and the pits for this player.

[Stephanie McMahon]

Right.

[Michael Cole]

The very good of Jalen Milrose, the guy who had 20 rushing touchdowns last season. I think if he runs during the pre draft process, it's going to be a sub 4440 time, which that's obviously uncoachable. But as far as his consistency as a passer, that's going to be something he has to prove to NFL GMs that he can do at a high enough level to be a success. Same starter in the league.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay, so obviously I hate doing this because we have no idea what the projections are going to be. But Jalen Milro with the ball in his hand special throughout all of his career at Alabama when he would decide to tuck it, he was the fastest guy on the field. He had great toughness, he had great vision. Is there any conversations about him potentially taking some reps at different positions or are we all in on quarterback, Jalen Milroe still?

[Michael Cole]

Yeah, we're all in on quarterback for Jaylen Milro and I think these players, you know, they deserve it. I understand why people ask these questions. A natural one to ask. But he might be as fast as any running back that he is on the same field with this afternoon. It's all been quarterback focused for Jalen. And you know, the tricky part about Jalen is that it's not that he is incapable of making specific types of throws. He's not the best rhythm passer yet. It's just he doesn't do it frequently enough. You know, there was a throw on the first day of practice here that I thought was maybe the best that we saw from any quarterback on the field was a dark to a wide receiver, Jalen Royals from Utah State. And then it was like the next rep. Jalen Milro has a ball that lands in the dirt at the feet of a wide receiver and you're saying to yourself if you could just do the first half of what we saw at a much more consistent level, there'd be no question that you would be in the first round conversation. He's a really unique player. I do think that whatever team takes him. Hopefully we've learned our lesson from some of these quarterbacks that have come into the NFL young and Jalen is a true junior. So he's a young, younger prospect that I know that we have guys that come in and make their mark like Jaden Daniels and Bo Nix this past year. But those guys are much more the exception of the rule. And development's going to be a massive theme for what Jalen Milro's early career looks like.

[Pat McAfee]

Special talent and also beloved by his people down there in Alabama. Great personality, great leader and we saw the viral video, not the one in the dirt of him overshooting somebody by like 15 year old yards maybe and he said his hand size wasn't as big as maybe they're looking for. They're always going to cut you down. Good luck down there. Jalen, we're pulling for you. Con man has a question for you. Field.

[AJ Hawk]

Yeah, Vanderfield down there. Does there seem to be one position group that's kind of the most stacked when you're just looking at and do you think because of that, you know, will some of the top players in that position maybe drop a little because of how stacked, you know, D tackles or tight ends might be this year?

[Michael Cole]

Yeah, I kind of feel like you've got two draft class jam packed into one at running back, defensive tackle and tight end as well. This running back class is so deep. We know that Ashton Jensen is going to be the first one taking out a Boise Stated deserving. You know, I would say he's maybe he's a top eight prospect in my book. I just don't know where he'll go because we know that the NFL values running backs in a different way than how the top 100 of your respective favorite draft analyst board looks. He's terrific, but you've got a Bunch of other guys that you might see them fall into the third round just because of supply and demand and look like guys that could start, start. Trevor Etn, who finished up his career in Georgia is about to practice here in just a few minutes. I thought he's looked excellent the past couple of days. No surprise. The younger brother of Travis, who's also a big factor in the passing game or has been for Jacksonville, Trevor Easy pass catching skills, that much is for sure. But we've seen guys that come in all different shapes and sizes too. Like Ollie Gordon from Oklahoma State. Long, he was a Dope walker finalist in 2023 for the best running back in college football. He had over 1700 rushing yards two seasons ago. Wasn't as dominant this year. But I'm just telling you, you walk past the guy and if you told me he was actually like the starting defensive end for Oklahoma State, I'd buy it. He is absolutely massive. So how these guys end up falling off the board, beyond Ashton Jensen, a couple others, I think they're really going to come down to. What exactly is your team prioritizing? Because you've got guys that can catch the ball at a high level. You got guys getting there, they can run for the foul. You got guys because they can do a little bit of both. But this running back class is ridiculously stacked.

[Pat McAfee]

Can't wait to watch how it all unfolds on draft night. Obviously we'll be keeping up with Vanderfield until then. Tone has a question for you. Field.

[Boston Connor]

Yeah, field. I do. And you talked about the running backs. I was looking at the tight ends as well. I mean, Tyler Warren's not there, Colston Loveland's not there. But I saw Harold Fannin has been dominating the tight end out of Miami, Arroyo, I believe his name, and has been dominating. Is this one of the best tight end classes in a few years as well?

[Michael Cole]

It really is. Elijah Arroyo, 6 foot 4, 251 pounds. He averaged nearly 17 yards per catch, which for a tight end is just ridiculous. And it's. You watch him out there athletically, it's. He had a catch in the end zone today in which he, he jumped high. I certainly couldn't jump as high as he did, but it looked like he barely efforted to do so. And just a reminder of how physically gifted he is. And Harold Cannon, you know, this is one of the things that I keep coming back to with Bannon during the pre draft process is that when you play against Bowling Green and with due respect to the rest of that roster. Everybody knows what the plan is. It was to throw the football to Harold Bannon last season. So you think that a defensive coordinator would say, I don't care if we got to put three guys on him. Let somebody else besides him beat us. He had 117 catches last year and over 1500 yards. The guy's production every single week looked like a Madden box scorer. So the numbers speak for themselves. This past year and, and whenever you see these guys come down here, and this is one of my favorite parts of the Senior bowl, they're guys from Bowling Green and North Dakota State and Alabama A and M and Marshall sort of stepping up in terms of the competition level. How do they look? And I think Harold Canton looks like one of the guys. So that's a good sign for where he will end up as an NFL prospect. He's had a really solid week this week and he catches the crap out of the ball that much for sure.

[Pat McAfee]

I appreciate the fact that you're judging these prospects on whether or not they can jump higher than you. I did not know that was a piece of the entire. Absolutely. We didn't hear you though because the AirPods cut off. That's. That's on us. I'm sure it was a great line. We only have a couple minutes left before the heart out here. How are the kickers and the punters doing? We. We hitting big balls or no?

[Michael Cole]

Oh yeah, we had.

[AJ Hawk]

We had.

[Michael Cole]

So at the end of each practice these coaches have been doing these call out competition periods. Well, okay. Hey, give me an offensive and defensive lineman. Give me a running back and a linebacker. See who wins the rep. The final rep of the practice this morning was not a one on one. It was a one on. Everybody else is the kicker. Fitzpatrick from Florida State had to drill a 50 yarder for everybody to avoid push ups. This thing would have been good from 65. And there was a bit of wind here this morning, so got a couple Australian punters. As you know, those Aussies are all over FCS punting right now. And these guys have been dropping some bombs this week, that's for sure.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, not as many going into the NFL as there had been in the past, but hopefully, you know, whatever gets in there there. He's the greatest of the great. We can't thank you enough for making time for us. Enjoy your time down there in Mobile.

[Michael Cole]

All right guys, have a great week. Next week in New Orleans. Can't wait to watch.

[Pat McAfee]

Are you going to be down there?

[Michael Cole]

I will be. I'm hoping to get down there late in the week. But I, I'll come over and. Well, I don't know, I'll crash the set. You guys have got like, you know, legitimate a listers there. But at least come over and watch from the stands.

[Pat McAfee]

Dan Marino, join us. But if you show up with those shades, I think you get in anywhere, ladies and gentlemen. Love that. I enjoy, you know, looking back on my time at the Senior Bowl. That would have been cool to be able to do that. Yeah, that guy hits that 50 yarder.

[Boston Connor]

That's sweet.

[AJ Hawk]

Everyone watching.

[Pat McAfee]

That's like real pressure too. Yeah, that's like a real moment. He hits it good from 65. Good from him. Good for him. I assume that's only going to boost it. Combine for the specialist. Obviously a big deal. Senior bowl happening currently. Royal Rumble happen, happening this weekend. Super bowl next weekend. Tonight though, Con man.

[AJ Hawk]

Yeah, massive Pro bowl games. I mean this is why we watched. We got dodgeball tonight. We also have the quarterback challenge tonight. I believe there are a few others. I'm not sure if the lineman spike.

[Ty Schmidt]

It is tonight.

[AJ Hawk]

It is. The big spike is tonight. I know Ragnow is going to be doing that. There are a bunch of awesome things. It starts at seven. It's on ESPN. I believe it goes till about 8:30. This is just night one. Night two, slash day two is on Sunday. The game itself, the flag game starts at three. But of course they have the entire, you know, kind of obstacle course. The, the great football race. The head to head. Madden as well will be awesome. Tug of war, a classic and then perfect punt. That does sound like kind of a cool perfect. Oh, excuse me punt perfect. Kind of like dude perfect where they're kind of punting into like a beer pong tunnel type six cups. But yeah, some absolute dogs. Kyle Juszczyk is punting for the NFC which is kind of sweet. Marlon Humphrey also both non punters. Duh. Logan Cook from Jacksonville and Jack Fox, the actual punters for each AFC and nfc. I know dodgeball. There are a few places you can actually place bets on for tonight which is pretty sweet. Yeah, no big deal.

[Pat McAfee]

Hey, Drake May, good dodgeball player, right?

[AJ Hawk]

Yeah, Drake May preseason this year actually, actually drilled a kid right in the beak.

[Pat McAfee]

He's not on the team.

[AJ Hawk]

He's not on the team. They don't want anyone to get hurt and that kind of makes sense. And that's why I wouldn't put Drake May out there. I assume Drake May is going to shatter the quarterback challenge tonight. If I had to guess. Yeah.

[Stephanie McMahon]

Boom.

[AJ Hawk]

He is. Oh, this is for the trivia game, I believe the passing the test.

[Pat McAfee]

That looks pretty quarterback trivia. Geez.

[AJ Hawk]

Okay.

[Pat McAfee]

You don't even know what the hell you're talking.

[AJ Hawk]

Well, I saw trivia. I don't know why trivia I believe.

[Ty Schmidt]

Trivia bases it how well they do in the trivia is how much time the quarterbacks get in the past the test.

[Pat McAfee]

Johnny Smith's going to be hooking up Drake May. Yeah.

[AJ Hawk]

Which is great.

[Pat McAfee]

Nico Collins dog is going to be helping Joe Burrow. Miles Garrett, big brain helping Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh Steeler quarterback.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

And then Josh Jacobs for golf. Fred Warner for Sam Donald. Mike Evans for Baker. Tonight should be a spectacle, to say the least.

[Sheamus]

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[Michael Cole]

TaxAct knows filing your taxes can be complicated, and that's why we have live experts to help you with any questions. They can hold your hand through the process, beginning to end, metaphorically, of course. I mean, they can't actually hold your hand in person. I suppose you could hold your computer mouse while you chat with the expert about capital gains or whatever, which is sort of like holding hands.

[Pat McAfee]

Sorry.

[Michael Cole]

Point is, our tax experts can make filing easier. Tax Act. Let's get them over with.

[Pat McAfee]

Football is wonderful. We're so lucky that we get to talk about it every single day. Tonight, the Pro bowl games kick off on ESPN at 7:00 Eastern. Should be fun to watch the charades in the horseplay of the NFL's best or the NFL, NFL's average that have been voted in the Pro bowl because the starters have opted out of these particular things. Should be fun to celebrate the game and the league that we love. Cannot wait to see how all of the players perform, especially in that big old spike as offensive linemen try to put a football through the earth and then they will measure the amount of power that they have. All starts tonight at 7:00pm Eastern Time. Battalion Dexter Lawrence is spiking a ball tonight. This might be the one. Quinn and Williams. Yeah, he's spiking tonight, right? I mean this might be the one that steals the entire weekend for the pro bowl games. Obviously that's tonight. 7:00 on ESPN. The talks to tables here at boss Connor. Ty Schmidt. Ty, I know you've been looking forward to this.

[Ty Schmidt]

The big spike is maybe the thing that's going to save the pro bowl games. Games, I think. I didn't realize we had a proprietary, you know, Spyco meter as well. So, I mean they, they've, they're, they're pulling out all the stops for this. And then. Yeah, you mentioned it. We got sexy Dexie, we got Frank Rag now.

[Pat McAfee]

But Chris lynch, he tore his pack, didn't he?

[Ty Schmidt]

He did.

[Pat McAfee]

So he's gonna have to be using his left arm.

[Ty Schmidt]

Maybe, maybe he uses both.

[Pat McAfee]

Oh, maybe it's a double handed.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah, double handed spike strategy is going.

[Boston Connor]

To be maybe a major league situation where it's fixed now and it's so tight that when he spikes it, he's gonna throw it through the earth.

[Pat McAfee]

Oh, Rookie of the year.

[Boston Connor]

Rookie of the year. That's what I meant.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. One half of that hammer died. Cowboys AP tone. That's the first time I've ever been able to correct somebody on a pop culture. I feel pretty good about that. Garden hoser and I had a good summer. A couple different ones. Not as good as his friends had when they were building that boat, sure. But certainly a great, great movie there. You got to hit that floater at the end. Maybe that's what Ragnar's gonna do. Maybe Ragnar's coming in and only needs a A2 on his spike o meter. He decides to throw it up as high as he can and duck it in there. Joining us now is a man that we wish we could see on spike of break it probably. Yeah. I don't know how he would handle it, obviously. I think in the punt Perfect. He would do a great job as well. He's a college football national champion, a Super bowl champion, a Rod cup winner. Ladies and gentlemen, AJ Haw AJ spike o meter tonight. Almost like the spike o matic in the entirety. Are you excited for tonight? 7:00pm Pro bowl games, pal.

[Field Yates]

Yeah, I'm very excited but the first thing I saw like you guys just met mentioned Frank Ragnall, the torn pack. That dude. I hope he doesn't tear that peck again or figure it out. But I don't know if the big spike is going to be my, you know, the number one thing I'm tuned into. There's a couple others maybe, but yeah, I guess the. I guess I want to see the technology they invented for this event.

[Pat McAfee]

Riddle me this, what are you tuning in for then if it's not the big spike, pal?

[Field Yates]

Well, what's the. Was there a five legged race I saw on there? I thought there was three legged but was there five?

[AJ Hawk]

That is Sunday. Yeah, the great football race is on site.

[Field Yates]

Oh, okay. Well I look forward to Sunday.

[Pat McAfee]

Tonight's. Please can you put on tonight's events, please? There we go. The. You're talking about the relay race. You're talking about the relay race tonight.

[Field Yates]

Yes, yes. I want to see these guys run.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, me too. Especially if they're going to go for it, you know like they've had these races in the way past. People tried.

[Boston Connor]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Recent memory. Some try, sure. Michael Parsons became the fastest guy because Tyree Kill and many others just didn't even try. Did they not try because they didn't want to get hurt? Her because they didn't want to lose? Oh, you know, if you don't try and you lose, you could say I didn't try. If you try and you lose then all of a sudden it's well, yeah, I guess I'm just slower than everybody else. Afc Jonathan Taylor. He's going to try. I bet he should.

[AJ Hawk]

I hope so.

[Pat McAfee]

I bet he's going to try.

[AJ Hawk]

If I had to guess, everybody is.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. Happy to see that.

[AJ Hawk]

Leader in the clubhouse it seems I.

[Ty Schmidt]

He's the anchor ager. Well no, he's not. He's leading them off but you get it.

[Pat McAfee]

I just. That's one name and I could already tell this is probably gonna be a laughingstock. I could probably already tell they're not gonna give a damn a about anything in this. Well, Jared, that's a bummer that I just see that Jared Verse will be cool.

[AJ Hawk]

He's probably going to be moving.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, Joey Bosa, he's certainly going to give maximum effort. Right.

[AJ Hawk]

Nick Bosa as well.

[Pat McAfee]

I'm calling Kyle right now.

[Ty Schmidt]

Keith is gonna bust his ass.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. Can we face some Kyle Van Noy, please, just so we could see if. Yes, please call him so we can see what the effort level is going to be. Derwin James not going to lose. I don't think anything. Buddha Baker's not going to lose in anything.

[AJ Hawk]

Oh, Kadaryl Hodge.

[Boston Connor]

This is Bobby Wagner's first pro Bowl.

[AJ Hawk]

Right.

[Pat McAfee]

So he'll.

[Boston Connor]

He's going to go all out.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, he certainly is. I love it. I'm a little bit worried about this. Patrick Picard going is good news.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Because he's going to want to seem to be faster than people could imagine because he's always been, you know, probably downplayed on speed. Joining us now, ladies and gentlemen, Pro bowler Kyle Van Noy. Kyle.

[Jim Gray]

Kyle.

[Pat McAfee]

Keith. What's going on, you guys?

[Jim Gray]

Hey. I also got a special guest with me, Fred Warner.

[Pat McAfee]

Good to see you, Fred. I think we'll see next week down in radio row. We appreciate you joining us.

[AJ Hawk]

Yes, sir.

[Pat McAfee]

We can't wait to see. Yes, sir. I'll see you all there. How's the golf game going, boys? How we doing down there?

[Jim Gray]

Forget him right now. Forget him right now. You got him next week, you get me right now.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay. Hey, we're talking about this relay race thing that's happening tonight. What's the effort? What's the effort level gonna be on this, Kyle?

[Jim Gray]

Hey, you see how they paired me and Bobby Wagner up against each other? That's the type of effort we're getting.

[Pat McAfee]

How has it been down there?

[Jim Gray]

How's me and Bobby?

[Pat McAfee]

The old.

[Jim Gray]

The older states, the elder statesman of the group. They paired us up against each other. You know what type of effort I'm giving you? I'm giving you that championship effort, that first class effort of just making it to the finish line. That's the type of effort.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay. Let's not pull anything. Obviously, we are old as shit now after a very, very long season. How has it been down there? Chit chatting with everybody, catching up with all the pro bowlers.

[Jim Gray]

Honestly, it was dope. I had a great conversation with Mike Evans last night. You know, shout out to the 2014 draft class. That's the homie. We had a good conversation and it was awesome. It was awesome to let him know how I felt about when he earned his money. At the end of the year. I felt like I earned money with him. You know, that's the type of love that the 2014 class have for each other. And it was just awesome to catch up with them. Meet his family. Proud of John Smith, former teammate that ended up getting into the Pro Bowl. Broke records this year. So the vibes are high right now. Elite, elite time so far.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. That is the Pro bowl has always had that. Now, the product on the field in the Pro bowl games certainly could get called into question, but the behind the scenes, everybody mingling is always great. Go ahead, A.J.

[Field Yates]

You ever think of throwing some suggestions out there, possibly for the relay race tonight? Maybe. You guys have to start. You get a bat and you spin around the bat five or six times. We watch you guys stumble around and try to figure this thing out.

[Pat McAfee]

Louisville chugger.

[Jim Gray]

Yeah, I think it would be good to mix it in there, you know, maybe throw in a couple other random things like that spin around. The spin around. I like that. See, let's see who's got balance, who's got effort and energy after you get dizzy. I like that.

[Pat McAfee]

What are you guys. Are you guys going to give a lot of fake energy? Are we doing a lot?

[Jim Gray]

Hey, you know me. You gonna be hyping everybody up. You gonna be hyping everybody up.

[Pat McAfee]

Hey.

[Field Yates]

Hey.

[Jim Gray]

I love that work. Young, Young gun. I love it. I love it. I need more, though. I need more. Are you gonna let. Are you gonna. Patrick Queen? Are you gonna let Fred Warner beat you? That's, you know, you gotta play the mind game.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. Talk a little. I appreciate that. Speaking of talking, you guys took Chuck Pagano from us. Congratulations. Do you know him? Aside from talking to him on the program, he's the man.

[Jim Gray]

Hey, honestly, I. I tweeted at you guys the other day. You guys are four for four with getting people jobs, getting people paid. We appreciate that. I appreciate that.

[Pat McAfee]

Well, we're lucky to do it.

[Jim Gray]

We're honestly happy to have him. You know, he's obviously Harbaugh's guy, but getting to know him a little bit outside of. Outside of football, just the man he is. He's first class. And to have him in the building, just add that. That juice. He's got that old school juice, you know, that you need to have in a building. And I think that's something that the Ravens are missing. Besides Harbaugh, you know, on the staff, we have the young guys. They brought Dean Pease in as a consultant, and now you brought in Chuck Pagano. I mean, the sky's the limit for that group. Leading with Nate Wiggins now and Kyle Hamilton, who's an avatar, who's behind us. He's playing golf too. I, I would. He. They're too far. But just a great group of guys in this, in the secondary and we are excited, we're excited to get them in the building. Bring that old juice energy up in there.

[Pat McAfee]

Have you thought about the super bowl much? What are your thoughts? Yeah. All right. Hey, enjoy your day. We appreciate the hell out of you. Pro Bowler, ladies and gentlemen, Cal Van Noel. No, so he basically just said him and. Him and Bobby, we're, we're going to do it.

[Boston Connor]

Figured, huh?

[Field Yates]

We're going to finish. We're going to finish the race.

[Pat McAfee]

We are going to get to the end, aren't we? You know, they did that obstacle course a couple years back and Miles Garrett like broke his foot or something. Yeah, exactly.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Cuz he was giving actual effort and it's like we were so close to almost getting effort and then a guy gets hurt and everybody goes, see, that's why. And agents are calling, going, see. Now it's his offseason. You know what his offseason is now? Rehab for a broken foot? For what? Was it getting a sack in the playoffs? Was it maybe during the season? Did he hit an escalator, get paid more money? No, it was at the Pro bowl jumping over a tire. So let's make sure we're not doing that. And that's kind of a part of.

[Field Yates]

The problem of it all, AJ that is the problem. The more. Yeah, there's just so much money on the line. And so like the teams, I can imagine if you're a coach and you see one of your players out there giving maximum effort. I can't. Hey, I'm very glad that you are. The standard. Is the standard, but you need to figure you play for whatever team we're on, you don't play for them.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. And there will be a couple people that get like uber competitive and can't help themselves. Normally it's the younger guys, you know, it is like the younger guys that like feel like they're untouchable and they're, you know, invincible and everything like that. But just like the thought of tonight being awesome feels like a little bit of a punch dream.

[Field Yates]

But expectations, expectations, you got to manage them.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. Let's look for vibes. Yeah. A lot of superstars, there's going to be moments that are going to come from it and let's try and enjoy it that way as opposed to thinking like, yeah, this is going to be high level competition in all these things.

[AJ Hawk]

Oh, and like dodgeball is Consistently fun. Like, that will be a kind of a sweet event no matter what happens. Because it does get heated and they take it very seriously. And then of course, too, like, the quarterback challenge is awesome. I wish that they did put like an Orlovsky or just a regular average Joe out there to show you how difficult these throws are. Just because they don't look that hard because the moving targets and all that type of stuff. But I think there's a lot to look forward to. This the big spike, I think Ty kind of hit it.

[Ty Schmidt]

It's the best there is.

[AJ Hawk]

It really might steal the show. Like, if they spike the shit out of this ball and they have some sort of measurement for like, pounds of how much pressure they have. Have. It'd be awesome.

[Pat McAfee]

Let's just hope to God. Okay. That nobody gets hurt doing this micrometer.

[Ty Schmidt]

Can you imagine how re tears his pack?

[Pat McAfee]

Never gonna happen again.

[Stephanie McMahon]

Yeah.

[AJ Hawk]

Be Mike.

[Pat McAfee]

It'll never. It'll never happen again. And with Ragnow, with the way he competes, he might see somebody get 700 mega meters or whatever. Here's a spike meter down there at Pro Bowl. They're already practicing with it. This is from two years ago. Go. That's ST 83. Russell Wilson gets a 1360. Tyron Matthew, 1335.

[Boston Connor]

Sick, dude.

[AJ Hawk]

Yeah.

[Field Yates]

What if someone bounces someone back up off their nose and breaks their nose and it bleeds all over?

[Pat McAfee]

There's a chance. I guess that's why they got the net around there. To be clear, spike, if you go to your local state fair, there's a much better setup with the.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Ax in this particular thing. Yeah.

[AJ Hawk]

There's a spike on me meter, though.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah.

[Field Yates]

But what do you think, Ty? You think the same thing? You still think of that, Ty?

[Ty Schmidt]

I think this is a proprietary item, so I think they've probably reworked it a little bit. I would still think that the spike o meter is going to steal the show. I think this was kind of just like the.

[Pat McAfee]

Let's see.

[Ty Schmidt]

Let's see what? The spike of meter two years ago.

[Pat McAfee]

Look at this.

[Ty Schmidt]

Look at all these. Look at these guys lining up. These guys are waiting 40 minutes to get in on the spike o meter.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay. Yeah. There is a line out the door. They said just a prototype strip cam. Jordan got a 9. 07. Okay. Whoa. Patrick Mahomes, 1386. That's good enough for third place.

[AJ Hawk]

Jim Grant senior. Is that who that is?

[Pat McAfee]

Wow.

[Ty Schmidt]

That was a good spike, Tyreek.

[Pat McAfee]

That was a good spike.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Boston Connor]

He's been in the end zone.

[Pat McAfee]

Shaq Bear really brought the hammer down.

[AJ Hawk]

I think he missed.

[Pat McAfee]

Better not be like this.

[AJ Hawk]

I think he.

[Boston Connor]

What do you mean?

[Pat McAfee]

This is what it is. Get out of this tournament. No, we didn't just bought a sky. Like the big thing about a spike is the after. Yes.

[AJ Hawk]

Oh.

[Pat McAfee]

Oh.

[Boston Connor]

Well that makes sense actually.

[AJ Hawk]

Come on.

[Pat McAfee]

I'm a little worried about spike. No, no, no.

[AJ Hawk]

Don't let this. This is a prototype. It doesn't look like this. It's.

[Field Yates]

This could be a two minute segment. This would be hour and a half. This could be a two minute segment.

[Boston Connor]

Shaq Leonard.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. This Shaq Leonard maniac. Let's see what he does. Go. Oh, good spar.

[Stephanie McMahon]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

That's what I'm talking about. Shaq Jack. He's got that punch too. You know. He's punching balls out. So he's got explosion power. He won the spike out mirror.

[Ty Schmidt]

He did.

[AJ Hawk]

By. By a landslide.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. By a lot. Kidding me. So is it still the same decibels and measurement? What? What is that? 2001 spike O meters.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah.

[Ty Schmidt]

2000 pound. 2091 pounds of pressure on the spike up meter.

[Pat McAfee]

Bingo.

[Ty Schmidt]

So it's like the equivalent of like dropping like a ton. A ton from the sky onto the the ground.

[Pat McAfee]

I go back to that Bargetsi thing. A ton. £2,000. What's a th000 pounds half ton. Okay. None of it makes a lot of sense. Imagine somebody that doesn't watch football. Happens to be in America.

[Boston Connor]

Sure.

[Pat McAfee]

Happens upon ESPN tonight. All Stars. Mate. These are the best in the world.

[Boston Connor]

Spike.

[Michael Cole]

What are they doing?

[Ty Schmidt]

2091 on Spike O Met. What does that mean?

[Pat McAfee]

That has to be visually a lot better.

[Boston Connor]

Have you seen hope it's going to be.

[Pat McAfee]

I'll be honest.

[Ty Schmidt]

I don't remember that from last time they did it.

[Boston Connor]

I thought it was a new event.

[Pat McAfee]

Me too.

[Boston Connor]

It is a new event. That was just pr. That was like a. Hey, we're trying something. Two years of work since then.

[AJ Hawk]

That was a social clip. It is a brand new event. There's going to be something.

[Pat McAfee]

So much fireworks.

[AJ Hawk]

So much cooler.

[Ty Schmidt]

They might have like glaze in like a dunk tank.

[Pat McAfee]

And if J. Glazer. Yeah.

[Ty Schmidt]

And if it's like.

[Pat McAfee]

If you hit 2500 spike meters exactly.

[Boston Connor]

There's definitely, definitely smoke dropped him in there like once they hit the spot. Like when you guys hit the anvil.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah.

[Field Yates]

There needs to be.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, yeah. That ball needs to.

[AJ Hawk]

There might be pyro. There might be pyro out there. We don't know fireworks.

[Pat McAfee]

I'm a Little worried about Spike.

[AJ Hawk]

Don't think about the sound.

[Pat McAfee]

We shouldn't have watched it.

[Ty Schmidt]

We shouldn't have.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah.

[AJ Hawk]

Because that was a prototype. It's like we're looking at a BlackBerry thinking that it's going to be an I was the pilot episode. Exactly.

[Boston Connor]

BlackBerry pearls.

[Pat McAfee]

You don't know how good that was when they had their little rolly.

[AJ Hawk]

Actually, actually I am well versed in the Blackberries. I do know how sweet it is.

[Pat McAfee]

Really? Oh yeah. You're a little bit too young, I think for the BlackBerry. No, no, I'm not.

[AJ Hawk]

Brick breaker. Come on. My paw had one so I messed around on there from time to time.

[Pat McAfee]

Let's talk about some changes the NFL made this year. The kickoff. Okay. Remember the new dynamic hybrid kickoff. New kickoff rule. Stats are coming out now in the season. 57% increase in returns average starting field position improved by several years. Yards. The more touchdowns, more returns past the 40 yard line and a lower injury rate overall. Positive sign. And if you look at the championship games, felt like every kickoff was returned.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Now I don't know what's going to happen in the Super Bowl. Butker has a massive leg. He's able to put the ball out if he wants to. Jake Elliott as well. It should be warm weather obviously. Perfect climate down there in New Orleans. So maybe it'll just be touchback. Touchback, touchback. But in the championship games when weather wasn't perfect, everybody was kind of forced to return. Made the game much more exciting. I enjoyed that it ended up working out because we had a lot of questions going into the season.

[Field Yates]

AJ Yeah, I mean I think this is exactly what they wanted. Right. They say it's a lower injury rate and we have 57% increase in returns. I mean, I think, I guess as the season goes we've seen more and more return. Right early on we're seeing a bunch of touchbacks that just due to weather.

[Pat McAfee]

Weather. I think it's weather. And also kickers legs getting maybe tired. You know, because there was even some teams that were really focusing on this. They were bringing it out from like 1, 2 deep. You know, if it was going 4 or 5 deep, I think it was a guaranteed touchback. But some teams were bringing it out from too deep. Some kickers weren't able to get it any deeper than that later in the season because their legs were tired. And then weather obviously has a massive implication. Couple snow globe games, balls not going into the end zone, guys are being forced to return. It strategy was on display. I think if you're A Riz and the special teams coordinators that came together and put this together, you're celebrating, celebrating massive success in keeping the kickoff and actual play for the sport.

[Boston Connor]

Yeah, I agree. It was awesome this year and you know, hopefully they make that one little change that we talked about in the beginning of the year that would make a huge difference on, on if they bring it out or not. But Nico Romigio, Chiefs punt returner, kick return, he brought one out from like eight deep this weekend, so.

[Pat McAfee]

And that's Tobe, who prides himself on having a great special teams unit, as does Philadelphia. Any teams that have depth and are good are not be good at special teams. Coach Riz obviously becomes the interim head coach of the Saints going into the year. The only thing anybody knew him for is being the guy who kind of pieced together this new dynamic kickoff. Taking some stuff from the xfl, adding some stuff from special teams practices, which is where this all began. So you can save guys legs and then inevitably we get something that adds more exciting plays. Congrats to everybody. Not an easy decision to do something like that, especially with how stupid stupid it looked at the beginning of the year. Yeah.

[AJ Hawk]

And it wasn't a kickoff. But I mean, if you even just think about the last time the Eagles and the Chiefs played in the super bowl, that Kadari's Tony Repent return, it kind of swung the entire game. That kind of got the Chiefs back into the football game.

[Pat McAfee]

AJ we thought it had no chance. We thought the kickoff was going to be over. We thought it was going to be a 4th and 25 or whatever on the other 25 to kind of start drives. Now it feels like the kickoff's at least going to stay for a while. I remember beginning of the year to your point. Point. We weren't seeing many kickoffs return and everything just looks stupid. And we thought, wow, they're gonna have to do something drastically different or they're gonna get rid of it. Instead, now we're looking back at the stats. We're saving football, baby. We're saving kickoffs. I love it. Congrats to all parties.

[Field Yates]

Yeah, I mean I, I don't, I can't say I love it. I don't love it. Visually, I still think it's kind of awkward and weird, but I do love the fact that the kickoff feels like it's here to stay. Like they. I felt like going into this season, they're like, well, I don't know. Kickoff feels like it's on its last leg. Like they're ready to get rid of this thing. And so they were just wait. It felt like they were waiting for reasons to almost get rid of it. So now I think this does. It does a lot. Does it to quiet the noise, too, about player health and all that stuff. It goes. It gives another check mark in their box, you know, of the league. Like, hey, we're taking care of these guys.

[Pat McAfee]

33 yard extra point looks stupid for a long time. Yeah. You know, now it just kind of looks normal.

[Field Yates]

You're right. You get used to it. You do get used. It is surprising how fast you can get used to something.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. Humans are by nature. You like, for instance, with music, you hear a song one time, it's like, nah. And then whenever they force that song down your throat 50, 60 times, it's like kind of a bop song. Awesome. Kind of a bot. And I think, you know, a couple seasons into this, people will be a little bit more used to the awkwardness of the setup. I think players will get used to it. I think coaches will get more used to it. I think there'll be more strategy that'll come about it. And. And if it continues to go the way it's going with these numbers, I think the NFL is going to be excited to have the electricity of returns remain in the game.

[Ty Schmidt]

Now they just got to change it so that you don't have to declare if there's an outside kick before you kick.

[Pat McAfee]

I don't know how you do that. How do you do that?

[Ty Schmidt]

Just don't make them do it.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, but you got the rest of the team 30 yards away.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah. That is.

[Boston Connor]

I think the kicker sprints down with the ball to where else is lined.

[Pat McAfee]

Up, springs down, sets it up and goes. Yeah. Yeah, I guess.

[Ty Schmidt]

I guess you can't do it anymore.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. Legitimately, you. There's. I don't know how you wouldn't land it inside.

[Field Yates]

Is college gonna keep it? Is college keeping the real kickoff because you're gonna watch college. They do the old school.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. But they do fair catching.

[Boston Connor]

Yeah.

[Field Yates]

A lot. Yeah. Which I would imagine dudes are still knocking themselves out in college kickoffs.

[Pat McAfee]

I don't love the fair catch on kickoffs. No, I. I don't love that. I. I don't. They need to get rid of that. They need. They need to. Just for the good of sport.

[Boston Connor]

Sure.

[Pat McAfee]

People can't be watching that. And especially for the good of the players that are out there. You know, like, you got some really good players. There's guys 30 yards away and they're giving themselves up. It's like you look soft, you look like you're not an actual football player. That's an embarrassment. If your special teams coach can't draw up something where you catch a kickoff at the 10 yard line and you can't get to the 25 or 30, 30, maybe you need to fire your special teams coordinator. Maybe you need to go back to the drawing board as opposed to the fair. I don't like it at all. I think it is an embarrassment for football. The fair catch on kickoffs, definitely.

[AJ Hawk]

And it does suck. But because they still have the element of surprise on site kicks, would you keep the fair catch so that they can keep surprise onside kicks?

[Pat McAfee]

Yes, yes. I mean, I guess we would do that. But also surprise onside kickstarter dwindling away too. At the end of this whole thing, successive onside kicks are dwindling away. There's actually more successful onside kicks this year than I think any of us could have expected. Yeah, remember there was a couple times when those got happened and I think it's because kickers started working on it, but also maybe because they're not working on it defensively as much. You know, you're not having as many hands, team reps. You're not doing as much because your kickoff team is all the way down there. It's a very small chance you're going to have to take on an onside kick. So then you don't really rep it or practice it as much. But yeah, it's important possible to not have to declare because where everybody's standing.

[Ty Schmidt]

Well in college too, with like some of these really good teams who are super deep, you would think like, hey, that's really the only way some of these like four or five star, you know, underclassmen are getting on the field at all. So like, is that, is that the only way you want to see what you got from them is just like, hey, go stand out there. We're going to fair catch it. So I just want to make sure you're going through the motion. Like, you know, some of the, like Ohio State, like they had a Buka out there. That's what I'm saying. Like they got, they got.

[Pat McAfee]

He's a great player. You got him acting like, like he's scared to return a catch. What are we doing? What are we doing?

[Ty Schmidt]

Makes no sense.

[Pat McAfee]

Ryan Day's doing a little media tour. How come he hasn't stopped by our show? AJ what's that all about, huh?

[Field Yates]

Yeah, I don't know. It's good. It's a good question. We should reach out.

[Pat McAfee]

Is he scared to coach?

[Field Yates]

No. I saw he's on Kelly Clarkson. He did her show.

[Ty Schmidt]

He was on Fallon.

[Boston Connor]

Was she sitting awkwardly close Jim Fallon, Kelly Clarkson?

[Field Yates]

I don't know if she was or not.

[Pat McAfee]

Did he do the. Did he do the Jennifer Hudson?

[Field Yates]

I don't feel weird. Did that show the Dan Orlovsky dance down the hall?

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, I hope he did. I hope he. I don't think he did that.

[Field Yates]

Did he do that show that? How weird would that be? He's like, hey, I'm not dancing down the hall, though. I'll come on. But I'm not doing that.

[Pat McAfee]

You have to. Yeah.

[Ty Schmidt]

You don't have a choice.

[Pat McAfee]

That's the. The happy place.

[Field Yates]

That'd be awesome.

[AJ Hawk]

That'd be sweet. If he just walked super fast straight past the camera, though.

[Pat McAfee]

Head down. Yeah. Santina Morella speed walk at the very end.

[Field Yates]

Very end. He hits the worm as he gets through the line right into the studio.

[Pat McAfee]

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a link. Living legend in the Thunderdome traveling to the great city of Indianapolis, Indiana, for the Royal Rumble. We have royalty. Ladies and gentlemen, the Queen of Queens, Stephanie McMahon.

[Michael Cole]

How you doing, boss?

[Pat McAfee]

You're on. Am. Okay. Y. Crush it, Max. Stephanie Mc.

[AJ Hawk]

How you doing?

[Pat McAfee]

How you doing? How are you? Good to see you.

[Stephanie McMahon]

Thank you for having me.

[Pat McAfee]

Absolutely. Our pleasure. We're lucky to have you.

[Boston Connor]

Thank you.

[Pat McAfee]

We are lucky to have great boots. You see these boots? Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah.

[Ty Schmidt]

Love them.

[Pat McAfee]

Holy. Yeah, Those are badass.

[Boston Connor]

Those ain't.

[Pat McAfee]

Those are badass boots right there. There.

[Dan Orlovsky]

Now, which. Which one is Dan?

[Pat McAfee]

Dan.

[Dan Orlovsky]

There's a sign about Dan farting inside your.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, that's Dan Orlovsky. Yeah, he's actually from Connecticut.

[Dan Orlovsky]

Oh, hey.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, the great state of Connecticut. He's on TV all the time on espn. Thank you for making the trip. Thank you for coming on the show.

[Dan Orlovsky]

Thank you so much for having me.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay. Royal Rumble week. We were trying or weekend. We were trying to describe it earlier. I think Royal Rumble is something that encompasses all wrestling fans, all entertainment fans, because literally anybody can show up, obviously, with Paul, Mr. H. Mr. Levesque, in charge of all the creative. What should we be expecting this weekend and what are your favorite things about the Royal Rumble?

[Dan Orlovsky]

Oh, well, you're asking me? Standard fare here, Pat. Yes. The Royal Rumble kicks off the road to WrestleMania. So, as you know, the winner of the men's Royal Rumble match and the winner of the women's Royal Rumble match, they go on to choose the championship that they'd like to compete for at WrestleMania, which, of course, is the granddaddy of them all. The show of shows. I mean, that is the spectacle, you know, and that all starts with the Royal Rumble. So I think, you know, John Cena competing in his last Royal Rumble ever is going to be really meaningful. I'm looking forward to Charlotte Flair's return to the ring. It's been way too long. Lots of surprises that I don't even know about. And if I did, I wouldn't be allowed to say, oh, yeah, you should.

[Field Yates]

Yeah.

[Dan Orlovsky]

But I don't know, truthfully. I mean, I know some things, but not all things. I was certainly surprised yesterday at the office when Triple H was announced that he was going into the hall of fame.

[Pat McAfee]

Congratulations, Mr. H. Yes.

[Dan Orlovsky]

By Sean Michaels and the Undertaker, who were so happy that they were able to pull one over on him. And they got me, too. I had absolutely no idea it was so incredible.

[Pat McAfee]

Magical time for the WWE right now.

[Dan Orlovsky]

Yes.

[Pat McAfee]

A lot happening.

[Dan Orlovsky]

It is, it is.

[Pat McAfee]

Saw you at the Intuit Dome for the Netflix premiere.

[Dan Orlovsky]

Yes.

[Pat McAfee]

Big pop for Steph whenever she got. Massive pop for Stephanie McMahon. How proud of you are you of the WWE right now, of Mr. H, and of everything happening, happening with the business.

[Dan Orlovsky]

I couldn't be more proud. And I put out a tweet or a post on X, you know, that morning, because I was just so overwhelmed. I saw the spot and it just. It made me cry. I mean, I was just so proud. I was in tears to think about wwe. I mean, when my parents first started trying to promote wwe, we actually had to buy time to get on the air. And you think about how. How it's progressed and then how we've been on cable and broadcast and then ultimately launched one of the first D2C services, one of the first streaming platforms. It was Hulu, Netflix, and WWE Network. There may have been a couple other ones, but that's how it was big. And then we were one of the first to sell. To sell our content, then to Peacock, and then now to be on Netflix. I mean, we're the first regularly scheduled live program on Netflix. I mean, that's incredible. A lot of pressure.

[Pat McAfee]

I told Paul.

[Dan Orlovsky]

A lot of pressure.

[Pat McAfee]

I told Paul that. I said, hey, listen, as somebody who is regularly scheduled, is live, and has relationships with WWE and the NFL, which Netflix has invested billions into both. Let's get it right, Paul. Well, so far.

[Dan Orlovsky]

So far, great. I think he is, you know, and it's so funny because I am so. But Whenever I talk to him and I say how proud I am of him, he always talks about everybody else. Because it's about the team. It's about everyone who brings it together. It's you, too, Pat. I mean, every Monday night, you know, and then Netflix is going to have the Royal Rumble internationally. So for the first time ever, in almost every country internationally, Royal Rumble will be streaming on one platform. And then, of course, domestically, it's peacock.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay, so let's talk about. You talked about the history of paying time to get it on the air, and then all the evolution and the growth of the wwe. Let's talk about you.

[Dan Orlovsky]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

You've grown up in front of all of our eyes. I've been a WWF WWE fan my entire life, so I feel like I've.

[Dan Orlovsky]

And now I'm an old lady.

[Pat McAfee]

No, come on. Younger than ever.

[Sheamus]

Younger than ever.

[Boston Connor]

28 is not.

[Pat McAfee]

Awesome mom. Awesome mom. Badass business. Everything that you philanthropists, everything you've been a part of, but growing up in the spotlight, I assume is a bit absurd, especially whenever it involves the wrestling business. Do you stop and think about that ever? Do you get a chance to get away? Have you reset it all? What is it like to be Stephanie McMahon?

[Dan Orlovsky]

So one of the things that I learned when I stepped away is that I'll never get away from wwe, ever. It is a part of who I am. It is what I love. You know, I really did grow up in this business, so it was not unusual to have shoots done at our house. I was in the first ever Saturday night's main event. I went trick or treating at Roddy Piper's house, which was actually our house. And he was putting candy, you know, bowling balls, breaking our candy bags. I mean, you know, he was a heel at the time. And I was on that episode with Chip from Kate and Ally. Like, it was just random, right? I did modeling for the catalog, and I didn't get paid. We didn't have child models at the time. It was like all of the employees, kids, we were just dressed up. And I've lived this amazing life with so many opportunities to meet incredible people and be a part of something that's so special, that connects people all over the world. And I feel it everywhere I go. And every arena I go to to is something that is just so special.

[Pat McAfee]

Big pops for Steph, everywhere she goes. You know, it's not like.

[Dan Orlovsky]

That's not necessarily.

[Pat McAfee]

That is true. Oh, yeah, that. That is absolutely true. And a lot of people you just talked about stepping away. A lot of People thought you wanted to get away for from it all, you know, and it had been your entire life. Was there a moment where you wanted to get away and then you realized that like you're proud actually of everything that happened.

[Dan Orlovsky]

I never stopped being proud, ever. I do think I want disappear for a little while and I kind of did, you know, and it was good for me. I needed it. And now I'm back.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. Well, it's great to have you back. Con man has a question for you.

[Dan Orlovsky]

Steph.

[AJ Hawk]

Yeah, Steph, as far as like the evolution of the Superstars, like you kind of just mentioned, you know, way back with Rowdy, Rowdy Piper and everything like that. And now the things they're doing in the ring are insane. Do you feel like the athleticism is at an all time high and can it even go further just because at some point is there like a stop to it? Yeah, like a too much factor. Like we're talking about Kevin Owens going off like eight ladders on Saturday night. Like can that continue to kind of climb and reset the bar?

[Dan Orlovsky]

Well, you know, I don't want our talent to ever put themselves in danger. You know, of course there's a risk to what we do, but I think the athleticism has evolved in all sports. You know, it's not just wwe. When you watch football now, when you watch every different sport, I mean, you see these athletes taking it to another level. When you watch high school athletes now perform, it's at another level. I think it's just the evolution of human beings and we're going to continue to see that. And yes, I think the athleticism will continue to wow and amaze everybody watching in wwe.

[Pat McAfee]

How do you feel about the company's ability to create new Superstars? You know, because there's other wrestling promotions obviously that have existed throughout time. I'm not just talking about currently, I'm talking about through time. And the ability to create Superstars is something that is very hard for a lot of people to do. Wwf, WWE have always been able to do that. Now obviously, with the performance center and with NXT and everything that's been invested in that. How do you feel about the ability to create Superstars and why do you think that that is something that this company, your company has been able to do for so long?

[Dan Orlovsky]

Gosh, I think it's because it all starts with the Superstar. It all starts with that talent and that character. Because you have to have a reason to care, right? You have to have a reason to care, to see to watch them in the ring. To want to see them win, to want to boo, to see them lose. You have to care about the character. It's not enough to just have in ring action. So I think that's something that, that WWE knows better than anybody. And it's a process. It's working with the talent, it's finding out who they are. It's the vision for the character. It's giving it a try. You know, at nxt, you'll see multiple different Personas sometimes come through and it's the same person. It's because you're trying different things and seeing how the audience is going to react. And ultimately it's the audience that chooses what's going to work or what isn't going to work. You know, I think Stone Cold Steve Austin's told plenty of stories about that.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. Stunning Steve was certainly beautiful.

[Dan Orlovsky]

Or the ring master. The ring master.

[Pat McAfee]

The ring master back in the day was glorious. You're one of the best heels of all time. Did you enjoy that?

[Dan Orlovsky]

Love being a heel, but thank you.

[Sheamus]

Yes.

[Dan Orlovsky]

I hate being a baby face. It's the worst. The worst.

[Pat McAfee]

Love being a heel.

[Dan Orlovsky]

Prefer to be booed. Yeah, much, much.

[Pat McAfee]

Whole life you felt that way.

[Dan Orlovsky]

Oh, yeah, yeah. Even when I was growing up, like, I, I always loved the heels. You know, I, I didn't like cheering for Hogan. It just wasn't.

[Pat McAfee]

Well, I like.

[Dan Orlovsky]

But he was the most over ever. But I, I just like. Yeah, I didn't. I wasn't on the bandwagon.

[Pat McAfee]

When did the smack come into play?

[Dan Orlovsky]

The slap? So it was when I became, you know, a character and obviously when I became a heel. And I don't know what the. My first slap was, but I remember the advice that, that I was told. Cause all the boys were like, you gotta lay it in, Steph.

[Pat McAfee]

Oh yeah.

[Dan Orlovsky]

They said, you gotta lay it in. It's gotta look good and make sure you don't pop anybody's eardrum. You gotta hit em, you know, in a particular spot, but hit em hard. So that's how the slap kind of starts.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, you lay it in there, I think.

[Dan Orlovsky]

Yeah, it was like Foley, I think Jericho. I got. I remember one time DX was holding Jericho. I forget the storyline, but I was going over to Slap Crack Chris and he, he like winced. All the guys thought it was so funny. And they made me wait and let him wince and then they had me slap him. It was really funny.

[Pat McAfee]

How are your relationships with. Let's. I don't want to say x talent, but OGs of the WWF. Because obviously there is situations that happen with superstars. I think it happens in any business. Definitely in a business where there's a lot of egos, only a certain amount of spots, a lot of travel, a lot of exhaustions and a lot of physicality, where people kind of get on the outs with the family, shall we say, now in the family, the wwf, the wwe. How have you been able to maintain relationships with people that have been through the wwe? And does it always feel like a reunion every time people come back home? And do you feel a big part of that whenever people come back?

[Dan Orlovsky]

So, to answer in reverse order, I don't necessarily feel a big part of it if I wasn't. It is always a big reunion when somebody comes back and I try to keep good relationships with everybody. If there is a falling out or some particular negative aspect, that's not what I choose to focus on. And if someone needs to get over whatever that is, and then that's their.

[Pat McAfee]

Purview, it feels like the business. Everybody takes a break. Not everybody. Everybody. Michael Cole's been doing this for 28 years straight. Isn't that insane?

[Dan Orlovsky]

Yeah, I know. I love Michael Cole.

[Pat McAfee]

Me, too. What? Amazing.

[Dan Orlovsky]

I slapped the crap out of Michael Cole.

[Pat McAfee]

You should do that again. Yeah, Amen. You should do that again.

[Dan Orlovsky]

Ask him about that.

[Pat McAfee]

Let's get one of those. Yeah, let's get one of those. At the rumble, Ty has a question for you. Steph.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah, Steph, you mentioned, you know, stepping away and how that was great for you, but once you kind of go out there and you get that pop and, you know, people are booing you and we've talked to so many, you know, superstars to say how intense, intoxicating that is and, like, the adrenaline you get from that. Do you ever miss that aspect of it and wish, like, oh, man, I wish I was still doing this on a consistent basis, going out there every single night and getting booed and kind of feeling that rush from the A live crowd.

[Dan Orlovsky]

It's a great question. And I think there was a period of time that I, you know, have felt that way. I think there's various periods of time where I felt that way. But honestly, after I rest Rhonda and Kurt at WrestleMania, it for some reason, didn't become my driving force. Like, it. It was so amazing, that match and what we were able to. The story we were able to tell, what we were able to accomplish, that me being the only non athlete, you know, it was. It was a tall order for me. And ever since then, I Haven't had that craving, honestly, it's more. How are they going to react? It's not like, oh, I'm craving them to do this or that. It's more like, ooh, are they going to react at all when I come out? Cause I've really only been out WrestleMania opening the second night of WrestleMania, and then I've been in the crowd, so it's not like I've really been out in front of you.

[Pat McAfee]

Great promo at Mania. Great promo at that.

[Dan Orlovsky]

Well, I got to usher in the Triple H era, the Paul Levesque era. I mean, it was such a cool moment for me to be able to do that.

[Pat McAfee]

How was the. That watching him transition from all these different phases? Because that I was just a fan, so I've only followed along. I've never asked him or you. I believe it was just bit for show that you guys were maybe concocting to happen. Then you come fall in love that.

[Dan Orlovsky]

Oh, oh, oh, that. Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Mr. H. So. And then now there's been so many different iterations of you. So many different iterations of him. So many different iterations of the business. Kind of watching it all grow. How do you feel about the current state of Mr. H and you guys as a family? Because he's more busy now maybe, than ever.

[Dan Orlovsky]

Yeah, he's busier now than ever, but he's happier than ever. You know, he's. He's working so hard. But it's something he actually just talked about at the town hall to. To all of our employees, I say our. I know it's not our anymore, but to the WWE employees.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. Place.

[Dan Orlovsky]

I can't get the hour out of. Out of my lexicon. But he. You shunning. But he talked about the fun, you know, and how everybody is having as hard as they work, they're having that much fun and how important that is. I mean, I think you guys know that better than anybody. Right. You can put in all the hours you can grind away, but if you're having fun, you know, that's. That's where the money is. And then if you're having fun, if our talent are having fun, then the audience is having fun.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. And it radiates to the screen.

[Dan Orlovsky]

It does. You feel it.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. And you got to find people that love the business. Like for football, for instance, we talk about all these NFL teams trying to find guys that love ball. Like, I feel like in the wrestling business, you find out quickly who loves the business. Right. Don't you think you do?

[Dan Orlovsky]

I think so, yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. Because if not, you're not going to.

[Dan Orlovsky]

Some people though, come from different walks of life, but they fall in love with it, you know, and that's where the passion resides. It's like you don't have to have been a fan your whole life. But yeah, if you're a fan, it makes a huge difference.

[Pat McAfee]

I think you guys have the most loyal and passionate fans out of any business.

[Dan Orlovsky]

I would say that. I mean, I'm sure other, other leagues, sports leagues would say differently, but I believe that wholeheartedly there's about to be.

[Pat McAfee]

What, 65,000 plus maybe seven, maybe 70,000 here at Royal Rumble, biggest Royal Rumble attended event happening here.

[Dan Orlovsky]

But I think also because our fans are such a part of our journey, they are the reason for our success and they are part of making it so successful. So even this move to Netflix, it's like that's what I put in my post because. Because it's everybody who's ever been a part of WWE or loved it in some capacity that has gotten us to this place. And our fans know that they're a part of it. And I think that's kind of what makes it different.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, you just said our fans. Again, you should keep doing it.

[Dan Orlovsky]

I know, I told you I can't get out of it.

[Pat McAfee]

You should keep doing it. It's very natural and everybody understands it. The fans are a character.

[Dan Orlovsky]

Yes.

[Pat McAfee]

You know, and I don't think that's necessarily something in all sports or any other entertainment business. It's like the fans max matter more in wrestling than any other place. And it's a beautiful thing. I was lucky to be a part of the WWE universe. Now get a chance to say dumb things into a microphone in your business. AJ has a question for you. Steph. He's in Ohio. Yeah.

[Field Yates]

Stephanie. Someone that I've been a big fan of for a long time and an absolute great company man for you guys, the Miz. Now are we seeing, we hear the Miz talk a lot of times. He feels like if he's not forward facing in some of the posters or some of the promo, he may get a bit excited. Are we expecting to see a nice like a push for the Miz here over the next couple years?

[Dan Orlovsky]

You never know what's going to happen with the Miz. He's very surprising. Comes out of nowhere.

[Pat McAfee]

How do you feel about the amount of content, amount of superstars and trying to keep everybody happy that your business has to do?

[Dan Orlovsky]

I don't think it's possible to keep everybody happy, you know, ever in any capacity that you're always going to have some people who are happy, some people who aren't. But I think the amount of content that is being produced is at a record level. But again, we have such an incredibly talented team. Our production team being led by Lee. Fitting. We have, you know, of course, all of the talent. You know, everybody's willing to shoot content, everybody wants to shoot content. And we have more programs and shows now than we ever have before.

[Pat McAfee]

And Trailblaze everywhere. Speed X was the first one that showed up on. It's like everything you guys are doing is like trailblazing. Not everything's a home run, right?

[Dan Orlovsky]

It can't be.

[Pat McAfee]

I think everybody would agree with that. But you guys step into the batter's box more than anybody. Which I think is why I love your guys business so much. And also, you know, with how, I don't say old the business is, but with how long the business has been around.

[Dan Orlovsky]

Okay, so do you know that really if you position the business right, and this is something I used to do at all these business conferences when I would talk to the audience is really, it goes all the way back to the days of the Roman Colosseum. And then I say, thank God. You know, we evolved from, from, you know, with the outcome kill.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, yeah, absolutely.

[Dan Orlovsky]

We evolved to scripting the outcome. And that was a good thing.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, smart idea.

[Dan Orlovsky]

But you know, really it does go all the way back. You know, it's some, it's the oldest form of entertainment, I think, you know, hand to hand, man to man kind of combat goes along with being a human being and it's a part of survival. Right. And then it evolves over time. Abraham Lincoln, honesty was a professional wrestler. Some historians refute that and some absolutely support it. And when you think about his style and his promo, if you will, he always talked about people, he told stories. And that is what WWE does better than anybody. And that's what this business does. You tell stories.

[Pat McAfee]

Standing at 6 foot 6, wearing a top hat, making him 7 foot 1 out of Illinois. Honest Abe Lincoln, that's good billing for him. But at the carnivals, which is where this whole thing kind of starts, you know, people talk about carney and everything like that and kayfabe and everything like that. The language is a carny language. And the history of it, everybody, you know, you would think with how big the business has got billions dollar deals, billion dollar deals, it's still family run business, always will be. There's only a few people that are making decisions in there. Obviously, your family has been a part of that for as long as any of us can remember it. How has it been to not, like, take it personal? All the pop shots or all the shots that have been taken at you, your family, everything. Do you try to stay above it? Do you try to stay away from it? Do you try not to see it? How do you kind of engage in all that type of stuff?

[Dan Orlovsky]

So it's been my whole life, and when I was in high school was when my dad was indicted by the federal government and the media came after my family in a really big and really hard way to deal with when we were in high school. And I think at that time, I was filled with a lot of anger and resentment, and I had a hard time, you know, navigating all of that. And I think, you know, now in my later years, when all of it seems to happen again, it's with a little bit of reverence that I can appreciate all of it. Because it's just noise. People have opinions no matter what, and that's great. And you can think you know exactly what's going on. You can give whatever dirt you think you know, but at the end of the day, I know where I stand, and that's how I have to just be grounded and rooted in who I am and what. What I believe in and try to ignore the noise.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. And I think that's why people view you the way they do, even if they view your dad or your family differently. I think that's why everybody appreciates the hell out of you. That's why there's big pops. Every time Steph comes out, we have a graphic here. The Queen of Queens, co founder of Connor's Cure. Like, the amount of stuff you've given back to the world to make the society better, I think you felt an onus to do, and you have certainly managed to do and. And help to do. Why is that such a big part of what you think the WWE is all about?

[Dan Orlovsky]

Because it's all about our fans, and it is all about giving back. I mean, that's been a part of the ethos of WWE from the very beginning. We were one of the first partners of Make a Wish foundation, you know, over 30 years ago. And our talent were the most requested wishes, you know, out of anybody. And that's really how the relationship started. And it's like, of course, yes, of course. Bring this child. Yes, we want to make this wish come true. What more can we do? And that then evolved into Special Olympics, and that evolved into a Lot of other partnerships, you know, that we have, that are all about giving back. Connor's cure was founded because of a little boy, you know, named Conor Mahalik, who was impossible not to fall in love with. And he was. I met him at the Royal Rumble. It was after the show, and he was standing there, he was wearing a shirt that was, like, dragging on the ground. And Justin Roberts, one of our referees, introduced me to him, and he was telling me all about his T shirts and how Seamus had just given him this one that was dragging on the floor, and that he. Underneath that, he had a Daniel Bryan T shirt on, because Daniel Bryan was his T shirt, and under that, he had a Skylanders T shirt on. And I was like, oh, buddy. He was just. You could tell he was sick because he had a scar running up the back of his head and he had a little lump on his head. And he. You know, you could tell he was sick, but you'd never know it from his personality. I asked him for a hug, and he said no. And I said, why not? And he goes, because I give choke out hugs. And I was like, try me, buddy. And it was the best little hug. And when I stood up, that's when his dad told me. He said, you know, you guys supposed to be back in Pittsburgh until the summer, and this was Royal Rumbles. And he said, and the doctors say that Connor's not going to make it. And I just couldn't get over that. And when I said goodbye to Connor, I gave him a little kiss on his cheek, and I'll never forget how soft his cheek was. And then he turned around and he looked at me. And I know this sounds crazy, but I. I swear our souls touched. And I made an unspoken promise in that moment and went on the bus that night because we were on the tour bus and Paul and I were talking about what we could do, and we invited him to WrestleMania and we were thinking, give him something to hang on for. And it worked, because hope is really important, and hope really does matter. And his dad said that at WrestleMania, it turns out the doctors told him not to travel, and they said, this will be a disaster. Don't travel. His dad did it anyway, and he said it was like he had his little boy back. He could tie his shoes, he could feed himself, he could do all these things. And then his hero, Daniel Bryan, ultimately wins it all at WrestleMania. And Daniel Bryan came over to him with a championship and said, you did this, and you have to continue your fight. And Connor did for three more weeks.

[Pat McAfee]

Man.

[Dan Orlovsky]

And then he died. He died in his dad's arms three weeks later.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. Yenzer. Little Yenzer kid in Pittsburgh Children's Hospital, obviously, is an powerful one, a great one. We appreciate everything you've done for him. I'm getting emotional. I think we all are. I have an almost two year old. He's got a daughter. He's got two kids.

[Dan Orlovsky]

So, like, it makes a difference as.

[Pat McAfee]

You tell these stories we're thinking about, but so what? That's what WWE does, though.

[Dan Orlovsky]

That's right. And so there's something we can do. And we galvanized our fan base, and we've raised millions of dollars for kids with cancer. And it also maintains a personal commitment for me, and I'm doing a number of different things outside of the company, so.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. Stuff. Hell, yeah, Steph. All right. As we all get past the tears of remembering.

[Dan Orlovsky]

Sorry about that.

[Pat McAfee]

God, no, don't be sorry at all. We are very lucky that you are doing that and giving back to the world, especially in the city that we are from Pittsburgh. So we're very grateful. AP Tone has a question for you.

[Boston Connor]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

We.

[Boston Connor]

With your vast knowledge and wisdom of the business and the company, and now that you're back, do you feel an obligation or do you have a lot of superstars or people around the business? I mean, Pat talks about, every time he comes back, talks about how much of a. How awesome everyone is, from Superstars to the camera people to everybody. Do you ever feel an obligation to, you know, be a mentor or give advice to any of the superstars or anyone in the business now, because of that you've been in all your entire life?

[Dan Orlovsky]

I don't feel an obligation, but I'm more than willing, certainly. And anybody who. Who wants my opinion, I'm happy to give it, you know, but it is true how great everybody is.

[Pat McAfee]

Oh, the best.

[Dan Orlovsky]

I mean, just the culture of the company, I think just hands got called.

[Pat McAfee]

Into question a lot. Yeah. Got called into question a lot by people that don't know the company. But you're talking about camera people that have been there for, like, 30 years.

[Dan Orlovsky]

Yes.

[Pat McAfee]

You're talking about, like, Nikki and his crew. The production crew's been there for, like, 25. The guy who threw stuff, Steve Beers, during the Attitude era, still there right now doing it. It's like everybody is at the top of their profession, and they won't leave. They won't leave.

[Dan Orlovsky]

And then think about all the life you live during that time and the challenges, because life kicks everybody around. Right. And then the Challenges that you have personally in this team, that's always there every single week there for you. And I think that that's just another part of it. It's another part of why it is so special.

[Pat McAfee]

I don't want to put you on the spot here, but have you ever given your Mount Rushmore a. Of wwf, WWE Superstars?

[Dan Orlovsky]

No, I can't do that.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, don't do that.

[Dan Orlovsky]

Yeah, that's way, way too many.

[Pat McAfee]

Way too many.

[Dan Orlovsky]

It leads me to the hall of Fame, you know.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, yeah. But there are a couple different people that have. Obviously, you mentioned Hulk Hogan earlier.

[Dan Orlovsky]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

And LA booed his ass out for.

[Dan Orlovsky]

They did.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, they did. Wow. Maybe comes back with the nwo, the black and white. Yeah. But what he was able to do, obviously, alongside Andre and that entire crew, kind of launched the business into something very different. And then Stone Cold the Rock, that entire Attitude Era, ex. That old crew, they do what they do. Cena takes the reins, takes it to another. This group takes to another. Do you view it as different eras or how do you kind of view the history of the.

[Dan Orlovsky]

I think it's appropriate to break it up in eras. You know, I think it helps define it because it is so big and there has been so many special people and special moments. So I think eras work.

[Pat McAfee]

What's your favorite era? The Attitude Era. What an insane time to be alive.

[Dan Orlovsky]

The Attitude Era was out of control. It was crazy. It really was. To be a part of it on the inside and outside.

[Ty Schmidt]

It was.

[Dan Orlovsky]

Yeah.

[Ty Schmidt]

Lunacy.

[Pat McAfee]

That's where I grew up in. So there.

[Dan Orlovsky]

That makes so much sense.

[Pat McAfee]

Exactly, exactly. In the back, there's a guy named Nikki Skates, massive wrestling fan. He has a question for you, Steph.

[Ty Schmidt]

Stephanie, what does the future look like for you from.

[Boston Connor]

From the wrestling standpoint, like the business? Like, where do you go from here? You're on Netflix now. You're all over the world.

[Pat McAfee]

Like, how much further can you guys take this thing? And I. I know there's been shows in Europe now.

[Boston Connor]

Is that the next step?

[Pat McAfee]

Where. Where are we going next?

[Dan Orlovsky]

So International is a big focus, but again, I'm not an executive at the company right now, so just, you know, right now.

[Pat McAfee]

Oh, my.

[Dan Orlovsky]

Anything. By that, I just mean I'm, you know, speaking on my. On my own here.

[Pat McAfee]

Absolutely.

[Dan Orlovsky]

But International is absolutely a huge focus, and that's part of one of the reasons why the partnership with Netflix is so important to us. You know, when you think about even NXT and you think about our developmental center in Florida. Right now the performance center. You know, what if you have those all over the world? What if you can grow sort of mini territories? What if you replicate NXT in different countries all over the world? Ultimately, then what does that do aside from a programming standpoint? But then you level that up and, you know, how do you then a global world tour where we're competing against ourselves in different countries. You know, what is that? What does that look like? I mean, there's the sky. There's one thing about WWE is we've never put a ceiling on anything, you know, and we're limited only by our imagination. So, I think that, you know, that's the best answer. But yes, international is a huge focus.

[Pat McAfee]

It's the greatest business in the world. I'm so incredibly lucky to be a small, little, tiny part of it. I'm so lucky to be invited back. We will continue this conversation on ESPN Plus, Disney Plus, YouTube and tick tock Live. Still alive. Tick Tock Live. Still bringing it. Still bringing it.

[Ty Schmidt]

Bringing it.

[Pat McAfee]

We don't know how much longer it will be. Royal Rumble on Saturday at 6pm Eastern. Smackdown kicks it all off tomorrow from Gainbridge Field House here in Indianapolis, Indiana. We'll continue our chat with royalty Stephanie McMahon digitally. We can't thank you enough for allowing us to do this for a living. Be a friend. Tell a friend something nice. It might change their life. All right, we got it out. Yep. Now, boom. We're no longer on espn. So if you want to just drop a bunch of so.

[Dan Orlovsky]

But we didn't promote the ESPN show. What are you talking about, my show?

[Pat McAfee]

Oh, that's part of. Of our problem. We'll continue to get better. We'll continue to evolve.

[Boston Connor]

Wouldn't be us if we did.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, yikes. That is 100% on us.

[Dan Orlovsky]

With that being said, I was gonna steer it, but then I wasn't.

[Pat McAfee]

You should have. You should have said. You should have. You. You can just view this show as your show. Whenever you say our show, just do whatever you need to do. But we are live on ESPN plus currently.

[Dan Orlovsky]

Awesome. Awesome.

[Pat McAfee]

And we're live on Disney plus currently, and YouTube. And I believe that is going to a few of the homes for a show that you are creating.

[Dan Orlovsky]

That is correct.

[Pat McAfee]

And I think this is an announcement that is.

[Dan Orlovsky]

It is. It is in partnership with OMaha Productions and ESPN and WWE. It is a part of the Peyton's Places show and it is called Stephanie's Places. And I'm going all over the country and hopefully the world to really find out the stories behind the biggest star stars in wwe, I believe we have.

[Pat McAfee]

A sizzle reel for nice Steph's Places. It has no audio on it, but it is a bunch of the shots. You caught up with Stone Cold Steve Austin.

[Dan Orlovsky]

I did.

[Pat McAfee]

Got a chance to catch up with Charlotte Flair, Roman Reigns and the whole.

[Dan Orlovsky]

Bloodline, by the way, down on a.

[Pat McAfee]

Yacht down in Florida. Hilarious. And it's coming in March. ESPN Original. Stephanie's Places. You know the history of this business through and through. What is the goal of Stephanie's Places?

[Dan Orlovsky]

It's really to tell the stories that haven't been told and to find out more about the people behind the characters. And what I want to do is bring, you know, some type of advice to the audience. Like, you know, these people are all hugely successful, but like most people, they've been knocked around a lot. So how did they overcome the challenges that were put in front? How did they get over certain things to become who they are today? And it's really their journey. That's what I'm trying to tell is the story of their story, their journey of how they've gotten to where they are.

[Pat McAfee]

Have you enjoyed hosting? Have you enjoyed it?

[Dan Orlovsky]

I've loved it. So I have to say I was really nervous to do it again. It was my first step back, if you will, into the business and I was really, really worried about it. And ultimately it's just been so rewarding to get to hang out with our talent that I know so well on a certain level, but then to get to know them so much better and differently and again to bring their stories out. And it's interesting because with each person it's different. In some cases, like I'm the younger person who remembers them as a big star and how do we do this? And then in other cases, I'm the older person and, and I'm trying to pull things out of, out of a younger superstar. And it's, it's, it's. No one show is the same and it's, it's just a lot of fun.

[Pat McAfee]

Hell yeah. We can't wait to watch. Coming in March. Go ahead, Tom.

[Boston Connor]

Did you get to meet Steve's cats? Cuz this office. Poncho.

[Pat McAfee]

Poncho.

[Dan Orlovsky]

Poncho. But he kept running away.

[Pat McAfee]

Well, that's poncho.

[AJ Hawk]

Classic poncho.

[Dan Orlovsky]

I don't like cats.

[Pat McAfee]

What?

[Dan Orlovsky]

I don't like cats.

[Boston Connor]

Neither do I. But Steve's cats are different.

[Dan Orlovsky]

Well, I know. And that's what he said. He said they were like dogs and they were great. And I'm not disparaging Steve's cats, but yes, in general. I'm not a cat, Lefty.

[Pat McAfee]

Well, there are. There are cats that are like dogs, though.

[Dan Orlovsky]

They say that. They say that I don't like cats since I'm a kid and they mess with me. So my. My husband's sister, she had a cat that was like 22 years old or something. Never came out of the closet, but it would just stay there unless I came over and it would come sit behind me on the sofa. And his sister was like, this never happens, love. I don't know why. No, they mess with me. They know I don't like them. I was a sophomore in college, and my roommate and I, we had this apartment. The bathroom door wouldn't close all the way, and this cat would come in and perch on the sink when I was taking a shower and I'd washed my hair. Like, I thought this cat was gonna jump over.

[Pat McAfee]

No, it was coming to say hello.

[Dan Orlovsky]

It was messing with me and it knew exactly what it was doing. I was bit by a cat when I was in, like, daycare. Black cat bit my middle finger. What does that mean?

[Pat McAfee]

I don't know.

[Boston Connor]

So many.

[Pat McAfee]

We know what that means. It means you're gonna hate cats for the rest of your life.

[Dan Orlovsky]

That's right.

[Pat McAfee]

I think is what happened. Okay, before we let you go, you can tell us now. Congratulations. You're gonna be in the Rumble this weekend.

[Sheamus]

Wow.

[Pat McAfee]

Right?

[Dan Orlovsky]

I am not in the rumble match. That. That is. I'm not in the rumble match at all.

[Pat McAfee]

Well, you wouldn't tell us if you were. We'll dump it. We won't let anybody hear it. Okay, well, we appreciate the hell out of you. Let's take a break on the other side. We'll wrap up all the stories. Let's celebrate the hell out of Stephanie McMahon and Stephanie's place.

[Dan Orlovsky]

Thank you, guys.

[Pat McAfee]

Thank you for making time to stop by. I know it's your first time. Time doing any interview since stepping down as an executive.

[Dan Orlovsky]

That's right.

[Pat McAfee]

At wwe. You came in here and crushed it. Well, we're crying.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah. Yeah, I did it.

[Pat McAfee]

This is my first time crying in here.

[Dan Orlovsky]

Really?

[Pat McAfee]

Definitely.

[Dan Orlovsky]

Oh, so great. I have. I have a credit.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. Yeah, I'd say Tone was crying too.

[Boston Connor]

I mean, everyone.

[Dan Orlovsky]

And I didn't even have to slap you to make you cry.

[Pat McAfee]

I'll do the Jericho.

[Dan Orlovsky]

Yeah. So great. I gotta get that footage. Thank you very much for having me. It was an honor.

[Pat McAfee]

You're the. No, the honor is ours. Thank you for everything. You've done for society, for the business and for us. What's the best time of day to get a deal? All day with Jack in the Box's all day big deal meal. You get to choose from four entrees.

[Ty Schmidt]

Like the supreme croissant and five tasty.

[Pat McAfee]

Sides plus a drink drink starting at $5.

[Ty Schmidt]

So hurry in or take your time. You've got all day at Jack.

[Pat McAfee]

Every bite's a big deal. I think you're on mute.

[Dan Orlovsky]

Workday starting to sound the same.

[Pat McAfee]

I think you're on mute.

[Dan Orlovsky]

Find something that sounds better for your career on LinkedIn.

[Pat McAfee]

With LinkedIn job collections, you can browse curated collections, relevant industries and benefits like Flexpto or hybrid workplaces so you can find the right job for you. Get [e-mail] jobs finding where you fit. LinkedIn knows how football is wonderful. That's A.J. hawk. He's a college football national champion, a Super bowl champion age. I mean, that's the first time I've ever cried in here with Stephanie McMahon. Absolutely crushed it. So thankful she stopped by. With the WWE team, it's always nice to see them great people all around. Talks to tables here at Boston Connor and at Ty Schmidt. We talk about it a lot and you know, anytime we say it into a microphone, I, I almost feel like we're braggarts and I don't mean to sound that way, but like, anytime we're on wwe, people, they're way too nice to us.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah, without a doubt.

[Pat McAfee]

And I think that is. I mean, they put you guys in a video game, but they are to us. They've always been the coolest people, Ty, and we've been around them now, what, six, seven years in this entire thing. A lot of wrestling marks leave that out of their comments. Whenever they bury me for certain different things, it's like this started back with the NXT kickoff panel, all the way back in New Orleans, all the way through doing that. To commentating nxt, to doing some of the panels and kickoff shows for the wwe, to getting to commentate on smackdown, to now getting to do raw, to doing some matches. It's like they've been cool to us since the beginning. And it's not just me, it's all of us. And it's absurd every single time.

[Ty Schmidt]

No, I mean, and very rarely do you do something like we're going to like, their biggest events of the year where, you know, like, they have so much going on and a lot of times we're going to places with like 10 deep, you know, and it's not easy to just like, accommodate, you know, like, oh, yeah, like, you guys, like, whatever you need, seriously. You know, we. We got. We got seats for you. You know, you can go to this area. You can do this. You can do this. Like, it'd be very easy if there are that many people to just be like, pat, you're good, but, like, get. Get your posse. Like, you know, they can go sit up in the nosebleeds and kind of just be done with it. And they've never done that. Like, at WrestleMania this year, we were sitting behind the Rock's mom, you know.

[Pat McAfee]

Like, yeah, two chains is right by us. Exactly, Teddy boy.

[Stephanie McMahon]

Oh, yeah.

[Ty Schmidt]

I mean, it's. It's insane. And it's time and time again, you.

[Pat McAfee]

Know, they're good people. They've been so nice to us. We're incredibly thankful. Obviously. Stephanie and Mr. H have been incredibly kind to me. I started NXT whenever Triple H was running nxt, he has been nothing short of just a. I mean, whenever he was on at the intuitum, we almost. I almost got like a. Emotional when he was like, hey, watching you and your guys too, from the beginning, I think they feel like they're a part of it. Aj, Like, I feel like the WWE people are like. And Michael Cole definitely is like, man, whenever we met to where you are now, like, they feel like, hey, the little boy has done pretty good, like, and his friends. And that's a cool thing to feel, you know, especially from a company that I've obviously been a fan of my entire life.

[Field Yates]

H, I. I told you, from the first time I ever went to anything wwe, when you were doing NXT back in the day, like, from the first. I remember the first time I went down there with you, I was there for, like, we were there, what, five, six, seven hours? It was during COVID All the stuff's going on, and I just couldn't believe, like, you said, like, I was like, why? I felt like I was stepping on toes.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay.

[Field Yates]

I shouldn't be here. I shouldn't be doing okay. And they were so open and, like, they're like, yeah, man, whatever you guys need. Like, it was a family. Like, it truly felt like a family atmosphere, and that was. It's always cool to see all the old wrestlers coming back and they all have a gig and they all have a place in what they do, and they have so much respect for them. Like, it's a cool, like, old school type culture, I think, too.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, I agree. And, you know, when I mentioned getting Away, because that happens with everybody in the wwe. Like, you get to a point, you know, we can see it happening publicly with some people, maybe, where you get to a point where you forget how good it is and how lucky you are are to maybe be working where you are and how pumped you should be. And it's like, that happens in every business, especially in one where you have to travel around. It's a lot of work. There's a lot of this. There's only a certain amount of spots. It's like, people get away, and then they kind of get, like, refreshed. And then whenever they come back, it's always like, welcome back. It's great to have you. That business has a lot of that, and I think it kind of happens literally for everybody. But Michael Cole. Michael Cole is, like, the only company constant, like, 28 years. And I'm always like, cole, like, don't you think you need a break? It's a break. I take a break, I'm gonna fire my ass. And I'm like, no, no. Like, it is kind of one of those things. It's one of those businesses where it can be a lot, but everybody has the same mindset. Like, let's just do the best, and let's serve our fans. That's legitimately how they feel. It's in Royal Rumble being in Indianapolis, And I know Mr. H said this, but, like, I pushed very hard for it to be. For them to come to Indy for a lot of things. Now, certainly did Nick and Triple H say, and Michael Cole go, oh, you want a home game, huh? Everybody wants a home game. You know, like, Michael Cole in San Antonio the other night. It was said, like, three times. Like, I'm from 20 minutes down the road. So, like, Michael Cole drove home after the thing. So anytime I was promoting, like, hey, you guys need to come through Indianapolis more. We need bigger shows in Indianapolis. Give us a chance. Indianapolis people are going to show up. They're all like, oh, okay, yeah, yeah, yeah, we'll stay in Indianapolis. And then what? Louisville? You want Louisville next? And then, you know, we'll go to Chicago, too, and maybe Detroit. You just want us to maybe stay in there. And they were talking, obviously, but then whenever I started saying, like, no, I think this place would be a great host because we're a great hosting place. And they, like, I feel like whenever they got the deal done to do it, they're, like, pumped to come tell me, like, hey, we're coming to India, man. Like, very excited for it. And that's why this weekend is so damn cool, because I think the crowd that is going to show up for this Royal Rumble is going to be an electrifying crowd. I think they're a crowd that is going to be very thankful that the Royal Rumble is here. And obviously WrestleMania is coming. That was agreed to in the deal. And I think Royal Rumble, WrestleMania and SummerSlam were all deals that were agreed to with the city of Indianapolis. And it's like whenever that deal gets done, one of the first calls that Nick and Triple, like Jamaicans to me, and they're like, hey, man, we got it done. Like, let's. Let's enjoy the hell out of this. And it's like this weekend is the first of that and I'm so lucky and pumped to be a part of it all. I saw you crying over there. Because the things that WWE has given back to the community too, is immense. And it very rarely gets talked about outside of the wrestling fans.

[Boston Connor]

You're right. The Connor's cure thing, the stalled. I didn't know the story of it.

[AJ Hawk]

Yeah.

[Boston Connor]

And ever. Ever since we've had kids, just a ball of mud. But no, but then, like, see, what scene is the most of all time for make a wishes. Like, and he's not the only one. Like, he's just. Because he has done a thousand of them. But yeah, all the WWE Superstars, they're always with kids. They're always giving back to the community. It's awesome.

[Pat McAfee]

Great business. Yeah. And you could do anything in the business.

[AJ Hawk]

Work their asses off. That too.

[Pat McAfee]

That's the biggest thing right there, what Connor said. It's like all that other stuff. Yes. I retweet, but they all work so hard and you just have. Have to respect that. Yeah. And you could do anything. I mean, they could put a WWE baseball game together somehow. Yeah. And it would work.

[Boston Connor]

Sure.

[Pat McAfee]

You know, they would make it work somehow. Like, if you have an idea they want to hear and all right, let's make it happen. You know, whatever. As opposed to like, nah, that can't happen. Which some places are like, you know, I'm not going to point any fingers at anybody.

[Field Yates]

Most places. Most places.

[Pat McAfee]

But wwe, you have an idea, they're like, okay, figure this out. Let's see.

[Field Yates]

Sounds like Andy Reid a little bit like what Coach Andy Reid said yesterday. He'll listen to anyone who has advice. He's not guaranteed to call it, but he'll listen.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay. Speaking of Andy Reid, do you know on this day, seven years ago, the Chiefs traded Alex Smith to the Washington Redskins in exchange for a third round pick and cornerback Kendall Fuller. This trade would inevitably lead to Patrick Mahomes becoming the star harder for the Kansas City Chiefs. Alex Smith had just got done with his best season of football. Alex Smith started that season by beating the out of the New England Patriots on opening night. Then they would lead to a season where they'd be so comfortable with their seating, they would rest the starters in the final week. Patrick Mahomes, his quarterback out of Texas Tech, would play against the Denver Broncos in the final game of the season. Once again, because they had such a good season, they didn't have to play the last game. It did not matter. That's how great Alex Smith was. Everything they thought Alex Smith could be, he was in this particular season with Andy Reid. Patrick Mahomes would beat the Denver Broncos in the final game of the year. Then the Chiefs would not win the Super Bowl. That offseason would start. And what would they do? They'd get rid of Alex Smith after he lives up to the hype and expectation from all the years ago in draft night. And everybody, including us, would say, the hell is Andy Reid doing? Why the fuck would you get rid of Alex Smith whenever he plays his best ball and only going to play even better ball, you assume going forward in this Andy Reid system. And then we had a caller call into our show from Kansas City, go. Patrick Mahomes is going to be the best player to ever play football for the Kansas City Chiefs. And we said, look at this blind loyalty that these people have to the Chiefs and Andy Reid. Little did we know that everything that was happening in practices and everything happening in that Denver Broncos game was something that they knew was going to become a very consistent level of play. So Obviously this day, January 30th, is one that's remembered for a lot of things, I would assume. But the biggest one is that this is when the Patrick Mahomes era began in Kansas City. And you have to give credit to Andy Reid for pulling the trigger and making the decision happen, especially with how good Alex Smith Smith was playing. And the rest, they say, is history. A.J.

[Field Yates]

Hawk, they had to know, obviously they did know. They didn't, they didn't think they knew. They knew what they had in Patrick Mahomes. And I do remember, I mean, I don't know anyone that said, oh yeah, that's, that's normal that they're trading away Alex Smith. We remember the season that he did have then, but I do remember hearing throughout, like different players talk about through camp or whatever. Just about Mahomes. Like, hey, I'm just telling you, like this, this dude is. He's next. Like they weren't saying get Alex Smith out of here, but they were talking about him, what he does in practice.

[Dan Orlovsky]

Hold on.

[Pat McAfee]

I got a text from a Colquitt. Right, the punter. Yeah. I think as we were doing our show, we did a full on. Oh, what a stupid decision. And then I got a text from Dustin Colquitt that was like, Bob, Bob, this is. You are. This is the guy. This is who we want. This is the guy that is going to be great. And wait until you see what this guy's going to become. And what's he become? Oh, well, he's 29 years old, he's a multiple time super bowl champion and he's already in a conversation of being the greatest of all time.

[Boston Connor]

I also never forget, I want to say clip in the show because I don't know if we had. We had rights yet or not, but there was a preseason game, I can't remember who was against, but there was multiple throws where he was rolling right and just throwing the ball like 80 yards down the field. We're like, oh, okay, yeah, that makes sense.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. But I. The day of. None of us.

[AJ Hawk]

No, not the day of.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. I appreciate us all going. Yeah. On day we remember, we were all. I was gobsmacked. Yeah. That they moved on from Alex Smith. And that was at the very beginning of our program. You know, that was at the very beginning of us being doofuses talking about sports. And it's like, boy, has this worked out for them pretty well. I'd say. Well.

[Ty Schmidt]

And even so, like they could have known what they had in him. And you know, like, oh, this guy's unbelievable in practice. Like there's no way that they would have thought, hey, we're going to make this trade and we're going to be at least in the AFC championship every year for the next seven years. Like that. That's still a pipe dream. So that like that just speaks to Mahomes too. Like how, how good he actually is. Like there, there was no fall off ever. It's like he came in and he just continues to win and continues to win and it's crazy. I don't think anyone could have said they saw that coming.

[Pat McAfee]

All right, and more news coming out of Baltimore. Sounds good. A little bit alarming about Justin Tucker. We will obviously follow along with that. And ladies and gentlemen, joining us now, a man who's from Dublin, Ireland. What one of the greatest hosts in the history of international travel. Yep. Ladies and gentlemen, WWE Superstar SH Land.

[Boston Connor]

Big son of a.

[AJ Hawk]

My neck.

[Pat McAfee]

Oh.

[Sheamus]

Surprised you have me back after the last time, huh?

[Pat McAfee]

You were great. Yeah, you were great last time. That's why we had you on Sheamus. In town for the Royal Rumble. Going to win it this weekend.

[Sheamus]

That's it, man. The plan 2012. One of last times. I'm. I'm about you. Another win, I think.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, you're about 2. You're about due for another win. How you feeling? Feel great.

[Sheamus]

Yeah. Look at AJ There. Looking sharp again. My fresh. Is that fresh cut, aj?

[Field Yates]

Yeah, it's. It's pretty fresh. A day or two. Seamus, I appreciate the vest you gave me as well. I'm. I'm picking a great day where I'm going to wear it on a big.

[Pat McAfee]

He lost that. He threw that thing away.

[Sheamus]

I haven't seen you wear it. You know what I mean? A bit disappointed.

[Boston Connor]

Like you said.

[Sheamus]

It was shite.

[Stephanie McMahon]

Shame.

[Sheamus]

That's terrible.

[Pat McAfee]

Maybe.

[Field Yates]

Maybe if I get like a renewal of my vows or something. Something really serious, you know, that's all I want.

[Sheamus]

That means we're never going to see. See that thing.

[Pat McAfee]

To be clear, he has no idea where that thing is. No. Which is a shame.

[Field Yates]

But oh no.

[Sheamus]

What a time on the plane.

[Pat McAfee]

It feels like just yesterday we were in Dublin, Ireland together. That was the beginning of the college football season. We just wrapped that up last Monday. The college football season ended. You were almost right with your national championship prediction with Notre Dame. And also you picked Georgia Tech to beat Florida State. Sounds like you're a big brain college football guy.

[Sheamus]

Oh, huge brain college football guy.

[Pat McAfee]

You know.

[Sheamus]

Huge brain. I'm already. I'm already working my picks for. For next season.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. Weren't you. He was a mascot.

[AJ Hawk]

Yeah, you were Georgia Tech's mascot in the rambling wreck.

[Sheamus]

Yeah, I ended up going to a couple of games. They're awesome. The whole. The whole. The whole team and the silty and all are brilliant. Everyone was great. They really welcomed me in. So I think it all stopped though. We went to Syracuse and they lost in Syracuse. So I went to the. Obviously the one in Dublin. They won and then we went to. I went to the one in. At Georgia Tech when they played Georgia. And then it was the afters when I lost the Syracuse. I didn't get an invite back.

[Pat McAfee]

So. Lucky.

[Sheamus]

The lucky charm still wore off. You know the lucky charm, lucky charm stuff. But let's talk about Dublin.

[Pat McAfee]

Man.

[Sheamus]

What a time it was can't wait to go back. McAfee with his short off, you know, taking the 10 beats at the bar. The whole world, Karen coming back like, you know, like a magician.

[Pat McAfee]

The whole world saw us over there on the Internet having a good time. We're going back.

[AJ Hawk]

Oh, yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

They're taking a lot of football over to Ireland now. The NFL has said that they're going to take a game over there. Another college football game is going over there. I don't want to say it's because of you, but I want to say it's because of you. Shameless. You need to know that I appreciate.

[Sheamus]

Appreciate it for you. Well, listen, it was, it was a blast, mate. And would we go back to that? Would we have the show over there for the whole week this time or.

[AJ Hawk]

That's a good idea.

[Pat McAfee]

I don't think.

[Sheamus]

Put it on Patty's AMEX card. He's got one of those black ones.

[Pat McAfee]

I know. Listen, it's not the money I'm worried about. Deliver. I don't know if I could survive a week over there. I think we did it right the last time. About 24 hours or so. But we would definitely take the show back over there. I had a great. You were the best host I think we could have ever had. Yes. International trips. Yeah. In the Mahins over there. Obviously. Here's how they are.

[Sheamus]

My hands, my hands. My homes. What we call them.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. Oh, yeah.

[Sheamus]

Look. Look at us getting homesick watching this.

[Pat McAfee]

It's the best. Yeah, we had great time over there, man. It feels like just yesterday, but everything kind of flies since then. You've signed a new deal with the wwe.

[Sheamus]

Yeah. Five years.

[Pat McAfee]

Congratulations.

[Sheamus]

Thank you, thank you. I was on. I was with so many Guinness Deep that night that I was actually going to announce it and I like. Well, I hadn't actually put ink to paper that stage but I was just so. Everything about that week was just such a huge high pipe for me as well.

[Pat McAfee]

Ireland was on great display, I think. Showed up in a big way and that game was obviously electrifying. Comes down to a game winning field goal. How, how do you feel though, going into the rumble? You look like you're in incredible shape right now.

[Sheamus]

You know, I honestly, I feel the best of having years. I just celebrated birthday Monday 47.

[Pat McAfee]

Happy birthday.

[Sheamus]

Getting jeed up here big time, man. I'm gonna be going in so much confidence on Saturday. But yeah, you know, like I just feel like really good at. Training's gone well. Doit's gone well. And you know I've. I still haven't lost. I think I'd say more passionate now than I've ever been in my entire career. And I had that match with Bron Breaker on Saturday night's main event. That was so close with Jesse Ventura called in the shot saying I was robbed. You know what I mean? You know what I mean? But, oh, look at that. That was, by the way, spear of the year there, mate. That's the hardest spear I've ever taken in my life from that kid.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, I think. I think both of you felt that. I was just feet away from there. Your rib would end up being a downfall. You go for a brogue kick later, something would catch, you wouldn't be able to time it. Braun would take advantage. He'd end up winning and retaining his Intercontinental Championship, the only title you have yet to win in the wwe. Do you have your eyes set on a rematch? Are we all focused on the Royal Rumble? What are you thinking?

[Sheamus]

What's it, mate? I mean, I think most the 29 other men in that match are going to be. If they win, they're going to go after, like, Cody or Gunter. Boy, when I win that match, I'm going right back after Ron Brady.

[Pat McAfee]

Only title you haven't won.

[Sheamus]

Only title I haven't won. And people have said to me, like, you know, what's the deal? You know, are you going to give up? Like, people say it's an IC course, but that title is one thing I need to be complete and become WB's first ever ultimate Grand Slam Champion. There's Grand Slam Champions and then there's the Ultimate Grand Slam Champion. That's what I want after 70 years.

[Pat McAfee]

With the company commander Supreme Champion.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah, yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

It's kind of.

[Sheamus]

He's clapping in there. Like, he's clapping. He's getting, Getting the clap.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. Z will give you, hey, anytime you need to be ged up, which I don't know what that means. Zeke will help out. Connor has a question for you. Shame, shame.

[AJ Hawk]

We got a guy in here who's actually doing the workouts that you've been kind of putting yourself through. And he has really transformed over the last few weeks. But what are some of the hardest workouts you've ever done? Done when it comes to your series.

[Pat McAfee]

Talking about the Celtic warrior work.

[Sheamus]

Yeah, yeah. So actually, I just did one today. That's why I flew in early. I did one with Penta. He's obviously W's newest superstar. You've seen him. He's unbelievable. Crazy acrobatic. He's also strong and troll is probably one of the hardest chops in the business. But I did a workout with him. We played handball first, which he killed me at that. And then we had an arm workout. And it's obviously just a quick shout out here. You know, I'm great at giving shout outs on your show here.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. As you should. Yeah. Give the rub there.

[Sheamus]

But no, the hardest one I think so far has been the one with Maxine Dupree. It landed about two weeks ago. It was pilates and I got turned into a human pretzel man. Like there was, there's some shady pictures out there, you know, with two women just kind of bending me out. Oh yeah, it looks weird, dude. But that was that. I, I, I needed a couple weeks off after that one.

[Pat McAfee]

What is it? Celtic warrior workouts.

[Sheamus]

Yeah, YouTube, my YouTube channel. Celtic Warrior workers. And when are you going to be on, by the way?

[Pat McAfee]

I got to start working out first. Let me figure out my workout first and then we'll do say not for last year. You do other people's workouts. That's right.

[Sheamus]

And I be do do yours. We could do it here.

[Pat McAfee]

I don't have anybody go in.

[Sheamus]

We could have like a full on bleeding. The Robies class. You know, the headbands, you know, jazzer side.

[Pat McAfee]

I'm in. Yeah. Maybe we do hawkers workout. Yeah, maybe we do AJ Hawks tie bow.

[Field Yates]

Billy Blank's tie bow. We should do that. I don't know if Seamus got that across. Across the pond. You know Billy Blanks.

[Sheamus]

I don't know.

[Pat McAfee]

Double time. You don't remember?

[Boston Connor]

You don't know.

[Pat McAfee]

Wow. Workout expert. You don't know Billy Blanks.

[Sheamus]

On the tie boat. Air aj Sorry.

[Pat McAfee]

You need to pick up.

[Field Yates]

Yeah, me either.

[Pat McAfee]

What's your mindset going into the rumble? You just got to stay on the ground. Why does anybody just go in there and just lay down?

[Sheamus]

Yeah, that's too crazy.

[Boston Connor]

Can you tie yourself?

[Pat McAfee]

Can you tie yourself to try that? Please Try that. Lay down. Hold on to that bottom rope.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yep.

[Pat McAfee]

Boom and bang. And just hang on on that bottom.

[Field Yates]

For real.

[Pat McAfee]

Just think about it. Just something to think. I know it's not really your style. You like to fight. I do. And you like to create banger after banger after banger after banger. But if you hang on. Yeah. And hang on and end and then wait for the banger at the end. I think your final two, no matter what. Something to think about.

[Sheamus]

That's a good plan. That's a good plan. You know I can't believe I didn't think about that.

[Pat McAfee]

Boom.

[Sheamus]

I do like the.

[Pat McAfee]

You're welcome. Yeah.

[AJ Hawk]

Have fun getting your title.

[Pat McAfee]

Not only you cheated up, you're also IQed up all of a sudden.

[Sheamus]

I'd say if I was. If I was Bronson, Reed or Otis, that would be an even better one. Or even Bronson.

[Boston Connor]

What are you saying about those guys?

[Sheamus]

I say they're big guys. Saying they're big heavy lifters.

[Pat McAfee]

Brunson re Reed broke both of his ankles, right?

[Ty Schmidt]

He did.

[Pat McAfee]

During the tsunami. Off the top.

[AJ Hawk]

So is he in there or.

[Sheamus]

Huh. No, I don't think he's.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. Bronson teasing peas, man.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

I couldn't even imagine. I couldn't even imagine the amount of force that was coming down.

[Ty Schmidt]

Snapped like chicken bones.

[Jim Gray]

Boom.

[Pat McAfee]

Just like. He's going to be back bigger, stronger, faster than ever. We assume that the tsunami is certainly lethal.

[Sheamus]

And I love working him. That splash, that's. I've taken that a couple times. I thought the first time I took that move, the tsunami, like the splash off the top, I literally thought my neck was. Do you ever see those, like those packets, like with the kind of like the fruit packets to give the kids and stuff? Yeah, I felt like one of them. I like them. I thought my head was going to literally pop off my body and fly in.

[Pat McAfee]

Have you ever taken a Nia Jax Annihilator?

[Sheamus]

No, I haven't actually.

[Pat McAfee]

That one. That. No, no, I've not. But I saw Ria take one the other night and she was. Face.

[Boston Connor]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

So she had it on her back. I thought she snapped her spine. Legitimately Thought she snapped her spine. Instead she got up, picked up Naya, did the entire dance. What is the key to a Royal rumble victory though? 2012. Why do you think you won that one?

[Sheamus]

I just. I mean, gotta get lucky plans. Right? There's a. There's definitely a bit of look in there. It's obviously what number you come in at as well. I think the one two years ago, my last rumble, before I got hurt, I was. Me and Gunther were number one and number two. And it was a slug fest, especially when Otis came in. That's. Or not. Otis almost came in. Sorry. The. The giant and clothes like he drew and. And Gunter in the face. And we're lying on the ground just looking at each other, just contemplating life going, that's. That's kind of why they call him a giant. And he's. You want to talk about the hardest hitter? Almost 100%.

[Pat McAfee]

How long you been in business though.

[Sheamus]

20 years wrestling 17 years. Going 18 years with W.E. that's including developmental like the NXT at the time, which was FCW. And June 30th will be 16 years on the main roster.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay, that's amazing. Congratulations. You should be incredibly proud of the durability, sustainability and ability to remain relevant long enough for that to matter. I think I saw you take a clothesline from hell on a cut up the other day from jbl. But these Royal Rumbles, there's like a nostalgia effect that happens. You've wrestled against a lot of these guys that come back in here.

[Sheamus]

Yeah, man. I was in there when, when I first started. The first year I was in there like doing six man tags on. On live events was me. It was me, Randy. I think it was show, big show and we're taking on like taker Sean and Cena. And I remember Shawn Michaels had this thing on Sundays. We do a Saturday live event Sunday and it was like, Sean doesn't bump on Sundays. That was his thing, you know. This is perfect homage to it.

[Pat McAfee]

His.

[Sheamus]

His, you know, his faith.

[Boston Connor]

Jesus rest on Sunday.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah, right.

[Sheamus]

Michaels had never bump on Sunday.

[Pat McAfee]

That's.

[Sheamus]

That's how far back, man? You know what I mean? Like, they were all in the ring. They're all WrestleMania 26. My first WrestleMania against Triple H. The most nervous I've ever been in my life, I think. And then, you know, you had taker Sean in there as well and so many, so many other guys. Just so many talent that have come and gone in my time here. I just. It's great. And I love working with the younger talent now, you know. Great, great crack.

[Pat McAfee]

Beating the out of him.

[Sheamus]

Yes. Beat the out of sh. Out of them all, you know, bring them all fell.

[Pat McAfee]

I'm ready for Saturday.

[Sheamus]

You got me hyped for Saturday now.

[Pat McAfee]

We going to win. Yeah, of course we're going to win. Nobody.

[Sheamus]

Are you going to be there calling it. You going to be there? There you go, mate. You got the, you got the buzzwords, mate. You know what fires me up.

[Pat McAfee]

You know what I mean? Yeah. It's fight night, baby. Yes. You're going against Bron Breaker the other night. Braun Breaker record for my dog. You know, that was kind of a tough thing for me to kind of be split. Just the body was kind of burying the Steiner family as a whole, so I felt obligated to kind of go. Go to bathroom. Like I brawn as the body was kind of doing his thing. I saw you take a photo with him afterwards. Did he Come and tell you he got screwed. He got robbed.

[Sheamus]

Yeah, he did.

[Pat McAfee]

You got raw.

[Sheamus]

It was a pretty, It's a damn damn moment for me, man. Like, I don't know how many shots I've had the icy tile, but I thought it was so close, especially after that brogue and. Yeah, of course, course.

[Pat McAfee]

It's.

[Sheamus]

You just gotta pick yourself back up, you know what I mean?

[Pat McAfee]

Oh, yeah, yeah.

[Sheamus]

Like you did the next day on college game day, by the way. The next day, right? College game day. After all this, I turned up fresh the daisy and he was just like. I use. I could see it, man.

[Pat McAfee]

Dude, three hours we did a pain in his face. I completely forgot about that next day. Oh, yeah. I think that was kind of my problem. Yeah. I was kind of caught up in the moment, you know, I wanted to go banger after banger after banger after banger. I forgot about the day after all this.

[Sheamus]

That's the thing though. When you're out in Dublin, right, and you're drinking, that's what me and the lads used to do. Be like, there is no tomorrow. You know that Rocky, that rock.

[Pat McAfee]

Exactly.

[Sheamus]

There is no, don't, don't think about tomorrow. You just think about that pint that's in front of you.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, exactly. And that's what we did. And if we go back, I assume it'll be the same exact story.

[Ty Schmidt]

Without a doubt.

[Pat McAfee]

Seamus, we appreciate you stopping by, man.

[Sheamus]

I appreciate the call area. I appreciate you having me on the show.

[Pat McAfee]

Do you want to do a giveaway? You want to do a giveaway? I don't know what Take down Connor. I don't know what.

[AJ Hawk]

Apparently my back hurts just from him grabbing my neck.

[Boston Connor]

Yeah, me too.

[Pat McAfee]

Dude, he'll come over.

[Sheamus]

I'm excited to see you, Connor.

[Pat McAfee]

Together, bro. You know what I mean? How about after his matches? He's like the most sweaty guy I've ever seen in my life. I also sweat a lot. I am too. Irish lad. He'll come over to the commentary table and I've no idea what's happening. I'm either getting punched in the face right now, I could get kicked in the face, or I'm getting a massive hug that's about to just drench me. Normally it's a hug with, with a grab. You're an aggressive lover. I, I, I think, I think people will say. And I want to let you know we appreciate every second of it. Yeah, we. Here's a moment here. Yeah, obviously. Whoa. Okay, spill my drink. Love you. Headlock. Cole, how you Doing. We had no idea that was happening. Obviously.

[Sheamus]

That was burger. That was burger after burger. Seamus, right there. That was 274.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. You spilled my entire. I mean, you see. Yeah. The drink everywhere on the side there. But you want. I want to let you know everybody that's ever been around you loves you.

[Sheamus]

I love you guys, too. I appreciate that. Anytime, Andy. I love popping up and saying hello to y'all guys, and hopefully we can make Dublin happen again.

[Pat McAfee]

Hell, yeah. Oh, yeah.

[Sheamus]

And we'll.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay. What American sport do you. You think you're potentially best at? Can you throw? Football?

[Sheamus]

I'm just. I'm not the greatest thrower.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay. Football.

[Sheamus]

Football. I'm not going to like. I play football, you know, like proper football. Soccer.

[Ty Schmidt]

We have a hurl in here, don't we still?

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah.

[AJ Hawk]

I don't know if we have the ball.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, the ball right here. Right.

[Boston Connor]

Bone said he could take him down this one.

[Pat McAfee]

Where is.

[Ty Schmidt]

There it is.

[Field Yates]

Oh, yeah. You should try that.

[Pat McAfee]

I don't know.

[Sheamus]

It's all right, man.

[Pat McAfee]

I'll.

[Sheamus]

I'll demo this place a little bit. I'll bring a bit more light into the place. It'll be ground.

[Pat McAfee]

No, but we. We need to do this here. Make a putt.

[Field Yates]

Putt.

[Pat McAfee]

Can you putt golf?

[Sheamus]

I'm not. I'm just, you know, I'm just a.

[Pat McAfee]

Can you make one putt like a Troy? All right.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah, let's do that.

[Pat McAfee]

Let's do that. Let's do that. Yes. Be the easiest.

[Field Yates]

He can make a putt for sure.

[AJ Hawk]

Yeah, you can make a putt.

[Pat McAfee]

Definitely can make a.

[Sheamus]

You can always have him spear Debo like Braun did. Want to stay.

[Field Yates]

I'll watch that.

[AJ Hawk]

It fell out of your. It fell out of the pack now, too. Just look.

[Boston Connor]

You are significantly more jacked than the last time.

[AJ Hawk]

Good to see you.

[Pat McAfee]

Appreciate it.

[Sheamus]

Maybe, you know, change my life.

[Boston Connor]

You're welcome.

[Pat McAfee]

You're going to be down here, Seamus. All right. All you have to do is just make one putt into that. Okay.

[Sheamus]

What's the name of the. What do I get for that?

[Pat McAfee]

People will win $500. Oh, yeah. You can do this. Is not just for you. 30 people will win $500. If Sheamus. You got seven. Yeah. The Celtic warrior Seamus trying to win 30 people $500. Oh, okay.

[Ty Schmidt]

Aggressive line. I like.

[Pat McAfee]

Is very aggressive. Once again, he came fresh out of a workout. So he's all jacked up. 30 people, 500. Oh, it is makeable.

[Field Yates]

Jam it in there.

[Pat McAfee]

This is not. He is trying to Jam it there, says AJ Hawk. 30 people win. 30 people. $500 if Seamus is able to. Oh, you're getting there, buddy. You're getting there, buddy. Speed. All Seamus is gonna have to do is put one golf ball into a hole and 30 people. Oh, you're getting better, though, don't you think?

[Ty Schmidt]

Is out here, you got.

[Field Yates]

He's not leaving any short.

[AJ Hawk]

Take it.

[Pat McAfee]

You got this. 30 people. $500 if Seamus is able to bury that. No, that's not a good one.

[AJ Hawk]

Yanked it.

[Field Yates]

I tell you what.

[Pat McAfee]

I'll tell you what. Take a breather. Slow down. Take a breath. Gumpy wants you to take a breath for a second. Gumpy wants you to just kind of inhale, take it in. Visualize the putt. He's in the back. All you got to do is just put that ball into that tiny little hole over there. Yeah, I know. I get the gimmick.

[Sheamus]

53 hours ago.

[Pat McAfee]

50 people. Hey, 50 people. Listen, you're on. The spot is where you're supposed to be. This is something you'll be able to do.

[AJ Hawk]

Come on.

[Pat McAfee]

50 people will win 500.

[Sheamus]

I heard you the first time. Yeah, that doesn't actually.

[Pat McAfee]

60 people. $500. All you gotta do is make one putt here, Seamus.

[AJ Hawk]

Oh, shit.

[Pat McAfee]

It all comes down to this. We had banger after banger after banger after banger. Can we get a putt that goes into the hole? 60 people in five. No, we can't curtail. All right, all right. We got the Royal Rumble on.

[Boston Connor]

Here'S wins coming Saturday.

[AJ Hawk]

Yeah. For Saturday.

[Boston Connor]

Your win coming Saturday, brother.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah.

[Sheamus]

That's not a reflection. What's happened on Saturday?

[Boston Connor]

Bingo.

[Pat McAfee]

No, it is P. P so much. P. Blasted. All right, all right.

[Sheamus]

That's it.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, that's.

[Sheamus]

See you later.

[Boston Connor]

You're going to throw. You're going to throw seven guys over the top rope.

[Pat McAfee]

All right. Hey, hold on, Sheamus. Don't leave yet. To all the boys in the back, great work today, boys. Great work. To the WWE crews that that is here, we appreciate the hell out of you. Thank you, Stephanie McMahon. Phenomenal work. And to Sheamus, thank you for stopping by in lifting our spirits and our hopes for a great Royal Rumble weekend here, here in Indianapolis, Indiana. To all the people that watch along and allow us to do this for a living, we can't thank you enough. You're the greatest people on Earth. Be a friend. Tell a friend something nice. It might change their life. We're gonna sing together. Team on me. Put it out like, hey, we don't set the bar.

[AJ Hawk]

There you go.

[Jim Gray]

We are the bar.

[Pat McAfee]

And we went to a lot of bars. Yeah. And they were all a great time.

[Sheamus]

To aj Who'll one day wear that vest I gave him.

[Pat McAfee]

One day.

[Field Yates]

Yes, I will. Yes, I will. Shannon, this.

[Pat McAfee]

I got to get out of your way. You see this camera? You're behind it. Can you sit up a little bit? Yeah. There we go. There we go.

[Sheamus]

I'm a leaner, true.

[Pat McAfee]

Team on me. Team on three. One, two, three. Goodbye.