From talent development to talent stealing the show, AEW’s own Pat Buck is adding another feather to his multi-tasking cap. The Vice President of Talent Development and part-time gladiator made a surprise cameo on Saturday Night Live during a parody sketch of Gladiator II. While the internet was busy debating whether they needed a sequel to the Oscar-winning epic, Pat Buck was busy proving he’s AEW’s Swiss Army Knife of talent.
The SNL episode, hosted by Irish actor Paul Mescal, featured Buck in full gladiator gear—swords, shields, and presumably a backstage AEW pep talk before heading into the arena. Buck flexed his acting chops alongside Mescal in the hilarious parody, showing that his skills go far beyond arm drags and body slams.
This isn’t Pat Buck’s first TV rodeo. The multi-talented AEW coach, wrestler, and producer has racked up credits on shows like The Equalizer and The Chris Gethard Show. When he’s not on TV, you’ll find him wrestling, producing AEW matches, or running the ropes (literally) at his Create A Pro Wrestling Academy.
Buck’s career path has been as unpredictable as a steel cage match. After leaving WWE in 2022, he quickly found a home in AEW and hasn’t looked back, balancing his on-screen work with his backstage duties. Add this SNL cameo to his growing resume, and it’s clear Pat Buck is building an empire that even the Romans would envy.
Could a full-fledged acting career be in the cards for Buck? Only time will tell. But for now, he’s enjoying his time both inside the ring and in front of the camera—proving that the AEW VP knows how to turn opportunities into gold. Or in this case, Roman armor.