Pat McAfee suffers defeat against Gunther at WWE Backlash
- Pat McAfee faced Gunther at WWE Backlash on May 10, 2025, following a heated rivalry.
- The match featured intense exchanges with Gunther dominating most of the bout.
- Ultimately, Gunther secured a victory, putting McAfee in a chokehold, which showcased the intense and physical nature of wrestling.
In Puerto Rico on May 10, 2025, WWE Backlash showcased a highly anticipated match between Pat McAfee, a former NFL punter and current commentator, and the powerful wrestler Gunther. The event stemmed from a heated rivalry that began when Gunther attacked play-by-play commentator Michael Cole following WrestleMania 41. McAfee, stepping in to defend his colleague, found himself in a sleeper hold by Gunther, marking the start of their intense conflict. Following weeks of build-up, they finally faced off at Backlash in a match that displayed both competitors' skills, with Gunther dominating the bout. Throughout the match, Gunther demonstrated his brutal prowess, delivering fierce chops and kicks to McAfee’s chest, showcasing his strength and experience. Although McAfee managed to deliver some offense, including big boots that nearly led him to a pinfall victory, he was ultimately unable to maintain the momentum. As Gunther continued to absorb McAfee's attacks, he became more aggressive, dragging Michael Cole into the ring to inflict additional emotional distress on McAfee. Gunther eventually secured his victory by executing a decisive lariat and ultimately choking McAfee into submission. After the match, McAfee took to social media to display the aftermath, highlighting the physical toll of their encounter. His chest was visibly bruised from the onslaught, causing him to humorously lament about the pain. Despite the intense loss, Gunther tipped his cap to McAfee as a show of respect, indicating a sportsmanlike conclusion to their fierce rivalry. Gunther, fresh off this win, looks to leverage his momentum as he seeks to regain contention for the World Heavyweight Championship after losing it at WrestleMania to Jey Uso. The match garnered significant attention, not only highlighting McAfee's willingness to participate in such a physically demanding role but also underscoring the unpredictable nature of professional wrestling, where physical safety can often be compromised.