Pat McAfee Breaks His Silence After a Heartbreaking Loss Against Gunther at Backlash

Pat McAfee gave a tough fight to Gunther but still failed to pick up the win at Backlash 2025.

Pat McAfee Breaks His Silence After a Heartbreaking Loss Against Gunther at Backlash

Pat McAfee and Gunther (via @PatMcAfeeShow/X)

Pat McAfee faced a monumental challenge at Backlash as he stepped into the ring with Gunther. The former NFL star gave it everything he had, trying to match ‘The Ring General’ at his own brutal game. Despite a valiant effort, McAfee ultimately fell short against the former World Heavyweight Champion. Following the hard-fought battle, McAfee broke his silence and shared a heartfelt message with his fans.

Taking to X, McAfee posted a selfie revealing the aftermath of his brutal match. In the caption, he mentioned that his chest was burning badly—a sentiment clearly reflected in the visible redness across his chest and the pain etched on his face. While it remains unclear when the former NFL star will return from this punishing encounter, one thing is certain: it won’t be anytime soon.

My chest… is ahhh… burning.

Pat McAfee via X

Furthermore, the former NFL icon put up a tough fight against ‘The Ring General.’ McAfee showed incredible resilience, refusing to stay down even after enduring Gunther’s most punishing moves. However, he ultimately couldn’t match the sheer dominance of the former World Heavyweight Champion.

During the match, McAfee’s longtime friend Michael Cole tried to get involved, only to nearly have his back broken by the Austrian powerhouse. In a powerful display of friendship, McAfee stepped in and landed one final shot on Gunther—proving he was willing to go down swinging. McAfee’s efforts even earned him a rare sign of respect from the WWE star following their match.

Wade Barrett shared his reaction to Pat McAfee vs. Gunther at Backlash

Pat McAfee showcased remarkable resilience in his match against Gunther, silencing critics and adding another chapter to his growing legacy in sports entertainment. His valiant performance drew reactions from fans and legends alike, including Wade Barrett, who shared his thoughts on the hard-hitting clash at Backlash.

Pat McAfee
Pat McAfee (Image via Open Source)

Taking to X, the former Intercontinental Champion gave a shoutout to McAfee, expressing his respect for the former NFL star. Barrett stood firmly behind the 38-year-old throughout the match, calling the action with such passion it felt as if he were in the fight himself. His commentary highlighted just how deeply fans have connected with McAfee’s character and journey in this storyline.

That said, McAfee’s impressive showing could open the door for more matches in the future. Having already competed on major stages like NXT TakeOver, SummerSlam, and WrestleMania—against names like Adam Cole and Austin Theory—the 38-year-old had expectations riding on him. And once again, he proved he belongs in the WWE spotlight.

What is next for Gunther after his battle with Pat McAfee?

Gunther appeared to turn babyface following his match with Pat McAfee, showing a rare moment of respect toward the former NFL punter. The gesture may have signaled a new direction for ‘The Ring General’ as he enters the next chapter of his WWE journey. As for McAfee, the question now is—what’s the next big move for the 38-year-old star?

Gunther and Goldberg
Gunther and Goldberg (via WWE)

The Austrian powerhouse could be headed for a blockbuster showdown with Goldberg in his next major WWE match. The WCW icon is expected to return to the company soon for his long-awaited retirement bout later this year. Rumors have been circulating that WWE is considering Gunther as the potential final opponent for the former Universal Champion—a clash that would blend generations and powerhouses in one epic encounter.

Moreover, WWE has already planted the seeds for this potential clash at Bad Blood 2024. During the event, the two powerhouses had a tense confrontation after Gunther referred to the former WCW Champion as an old-timer. The remark clearly struck a nerve, leaving the Hall of Famer visibly agitated and igniting tension between the two.

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