WWE Backlash 2025: 7 Things That Must Happen
6. Gunther’s Arrogance Nearly Costs Him
On paper, Gunther could afford to have one hand tied behind his back and still beat Pat McAfee. He's a former World Heavyweight Champion, but the 'Ring General' is also low in confidence as a TV character. Or, at least, he should be. Losing back to back WrestleMania clashes to Sami Zayn (at 40) then Jey Uso (at 41) should've chipped away at some of Gunther's previously-watertight mindset.
However, he'd logically still stroll into Backlash expecting a routine win over Pat. McAfee has wrestled in the past, but he's a loudmouth commentator more than an in-ring force, especially these days. So, Gunther must walk into Saturday with a smile on his face, and he has to take Pat lightly from the off. That's the only way WWE can make this showdown last 10-15 minutes, or even longer if they need it to.
If Gunther was training seriously and approaching Backlash with respect, then he'd destroy Pat, so he has to let misplaced arrogance cloud his preparation during the earliest minutes. Once the former champion gets tired and even more laid back than he was going in, McAfee can work his way into the bout and start getting some licks in. That'd rock Gunther a little, get the live crowd on side, and make this match one worth seeing.
Critics can say what they like about Pat's energetic announcing style, but he has shown in the past that he works well as an underdog fighting for his life. He'll need every ounce of the energy he had at NXT TakeOver XXX vs. Adam Cole back in 2020. That remains his last truly great effort, but Gunther can make sure they top that by being too aloof.