Gunther defeated WWE Raw commentator and former NFL punter Pat McAfee in a grudge match at Backlash on Saturday. McAfee may have lost the fight, but he continued to win over the WWE Universe's hearts—and the respect of Gunther.

WWE Backlash 2025 saw an unlikely match that seemingly exceeded expectations. Pat McAfee stood up to Gunther’s bullying, who put his hands on his colleague, Michael Cole. The former NFL punter displayed a valiant effort against a much stronger Gunther but failed to put him down.

As Pat McAfee made his way to the ring for his match at the WWE Backlash Premium Live Event on Saturday night, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of disappointment . Rather than wearing his signature black tank top,