WWE Backlash 2025 Results: Gunther beats Pat McAfee; shows respect to Michael Cole

Gunther shows respect after the end of the match

Pat McAfee gave it everything he had at WWE Backlash 2025, but ‘The Ring General’ Gunther proved once again why he’s one of the most dangerous men to ever step foot in a WWE ring.

From the moment the bell rang, the match had a personal feel. Michael Cole, long known for keeping his commentary neutral, openly declared his bias, rallying behind his close friend Pat McAfee in what felt more like a battle of heart versus brutality than your average wrestling match.

McAfee, dressed in black jeans, cross-trainers, and his signature cocky grin, welcomed the challenge, even taunting Gunther with “You tapped out” chants.

But those chants would soon be drowned out by the sound of Gunther’s vicious chops echoing through the Enterprise Center. The first one dropped Pat like a sack of bricks, and from there, it was a methodical dissection by the former Intercontinental Champion.

Still, Pat kept firing back. He impressed with agility, evading Gunther’s big offense and even landing a few stiff shots of his own. A springboard clothesline drew a loud pop from the crowd, and for a fleeting moment, it looked like McAfee might actually have a chance. That glimmer faded quickly though, as Gunther smiled through the pain and resumed his assault.

Every time McAfee got a shot in, Gunther answered with something crueler. A brutal suplex dropped Pat on his head, and the Austrian powerhouse refused to even go for covers, instead opting to punish his opponent slowly.

He mocked Cole at ringside, dragging McAfee to the top rope for a superplex, but Pat managed to flip out and hit a few more strikes, even staggering the big man momentarily.

The real drama kicked in when Gunther tried to involve Cole physically. As he pulled the veteran announcer into the ring, McAfee sprang into action, landing a kick that saved his longtime broadcast partner. A near fall on a roll-up almost blew the roof off the building, but Gunther kicked out just in time.

With Cole holding Gunther’s leg to prevent a suplex and McAfee locking in a sleeper with a body scissors, the crowd was on fire. It was pure emotion. Pat fought like hell, landing elbow after elbow, but Gunther stayed locked in. Slowly, McAfee faded. The ref called it when he stopped responding. Gunther had choked him out.

After the bell, Gunther offered a rare moment of respect. He tipped his cap to the fallen warrior, while Cole knelt beside his friend, proud despite the loss.

Winner: Gunther won via submission

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