Pat McAfee to face Gunther at Backlash after reckless demand — is this bravery or pure stupidity?

Pat McAfee is stepping back into the WWE ring in dramatic fashion. After a shocking on-air attack by former WWE Intercontinental Champion Gunther during a recent episode of Monday Night Raw, McAfee will now face “The Ring General” at WWE Backlash 2025 in what’s shaping up to be a high-stakes grudge match.


The confrontation that sparked this unexpected bout came shortly after WrestleMania 41, where Gunther lost his title to Jey Uso. Frustrated and furious, Gunther interrupted the RAW broadcast to vent, only to be drowned out by chants of “You tap out” from a relentless crowd. The insult cut deep, and instead of addressing the fans, he turned his anger toward the commentary team.
In an unhinged moment, Gunther grabbed lead commentator Michael Cole by the collar, attempting to choke him out live on air. Pat McAfee, known for his energy and loyalty, intervened in defense of his longtime broadcast partner. But the confrontation escalated quickly—Gunther caught McAfee in a brutal chokehold of his own, leaving him unable to finish the broadcast.
The WWE responded swiftly. RAW General Manager Adam Pearce announced Gunther’s indefinite suspension for his outburst and assault. But McAfee wasn’t about to let things end there.


This week on RAW, McAfee addressed the incident publicly. Reflecting on his life, the former NFL punter and media star emphasized that nothing has ever come easy for him. “When I'm dead and gone, they'll say I was a loyal motherf*****,” he declared in a fiery promo, referencing his bond with Cole and his commitment to standing up for what’s right.
He demanded that SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis lift Gunther’s suspension to make the match happen. While Aldis initially refused, he eventually gave in to the pressure — officially confirming Gunther vs. Pat McAfee at WWE Backlash on May 10 at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis.
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This will be McAfee’s first WWE match since WrestleMania 39, where he defeated The Miz. But Gunther is a far more dangerous opponent. A dominant former champion with a brutal style, he poses a serious threat to McAfee — both physically and professionally.
With pride, loyalty, and unfinished business on the line, Backlash 2025 could mark a turning point in McAfee’s WWE legacy — or the end of it.