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.

When WWE formally booked Pat McAfee for a wrestling match with the “Ring General” Gunther at Backlash, one thing was clear: the ESPN host was going to leave the match much differently than he entered it.