WWE Backlash 2025: Pat McAfee loses but earns Gunther's respect

WWE Backlash 2025: Gunther beat Pat McAfee in a brutal match at WWE Backlash 2025. ‘The Ring General’  dominated most of the match. However, Pat too gave a good account of himself as he mounted some offence on the former World Heavyweight Champion. He also earned Gunther’s respect when all was said and done. 

Backlash: Gunther defeats Pat McAfee

Gunther and Pat McAfee locked horns in a grudge match at Backlash 2025. The match played out along expected lines as the Austrian powerhouse delivered a solid beatdown to the punter. Pat, however, kept coming back for more and even got some offence on his foe. 

My chest… is ahhh… burning pic.twitter.com/RVrhRkRYuf

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 11, 2025

 Gunther soon turned his attention to Michael Cole, Pat’s friend, and tried to choke him out after he interfered. The former analyst made the save and nearly pinned  ‘The Ring General’ with help from ‘The Voice of Monday Night Raw’. Gunther eventually put him away with a sleeper. Pat, however, never tapped as the match ended via referee stoppage. Thereafter, Gunther seemingly indicated that he had earned his respect.

How did the rivalry start?

The feud started when Gunther attacked Michael Cole and Pat McAfee on the Raw after WrestleMania 41. Following this, Pat challenged ‘The Ring General’ to a match in a fiery promo. The two even exchanged some strong words in an in-ring segment.

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