In a shocking turn of events on the April 21, 2025, episode of WWE RAW, the wrestling world is buzzing after Gunther, the former World Heavyweight Champion, unleashed his fury on announcer Pat McAfee following his devastating loss to Jey Uso at WrestleMania 41. The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas became the stage for a chaotic scene that has fans and analysts speculating about what’s next for “The Ring General” and the outspoken commentator.
Gunther, visibly enraged after losing his 259-day title reign, stormed the commentary desk in a fit of rage. Initially targeting Michael Cole for praising the new champion, Jey Uso, Gunther shoved McAfee aside before attempting to lock Cole in a sleeper hold. McAfee, ever the loyal partner, intervened, striking Gunther with a forearm. What followed was pure mayhem. Gunther turned his wrath on McAfee, locking him in a chokehold that left the ESPN host purple-faced and unconscious. WWE security scrambled to contain the situation as McAfee’s own crew from The Pat McAfee Show jumped the barricade, only to be held back. The viral moment, shared widely across social media, has sparked intense debate about Gunther’s next move.
On The Pat McAfee Show the following day, McAfee broke his silence, revealing he was hospitalized in Las Vegas to check for neck injuries but was deemed “A-OK.” His fiery response didn’t hold back: “Gunther, you think choking me out will bury me? You’re wrong. You don’t mess with Michael Cole and get away with it. I’m bout it, bout it for whatever.” McAfee’s bold words hinted at a potential in-ring showdown, a sentiment echoed by fans chanting for a match.
Gunther, however, didn’t stay silent. Taking to X, he posted a cryptic message directed at McAfee: a laughing-with-tears emoji and a skull alongside a WWE Backlash graphic. The post, interpreted as a taunt, suggests Gunther views McAfee as no threat. Yet, RAW General Manager Adam Pearce wasn’t amused, announcing an indefinite suspension and undisclosed fine for Gunther’s “reprehensible” actions. Reports later surfaced that the suspension was a cover for Gunther’s requested time off, with insiders estimating a 2-3 week absence.
The storyline took a dramatic turn on the April 28 RAW, when McAfee, standing atop the announce table, demanded a match. SmackDown GM Nick Aldis, filling in for Pearce, confirmed Gunther vs. McAfee for WWE Backlash on May 10 in St. Louis. McAfee’s impassioned promo, praised as one of wrestling’s most believable, has set the stage for a clash that could redefine both men’s legacies.
As Backlash approaches, the question looms: can McAfee, a retired NFL punter with limited in-ring experience, stand up to the ruthless Gunther? Or will “The Ring General” use this match to reassert his dominance? One thing is certain—this feud is far from over, and the WWE Universe is on the edge of its seat.
