WWE Backlash 2025: 7 Things That Must Happen

Replace a desperate Jimmy Uso with Pat McAfee in the pic above, and you'll have a scenario that's essential on Saturday. More of the Gunther covered in his opponent’s blood content, please. That works well for him, and it proved to be a memorable part of the build towards his WrestleMania 41 loss to Jey Uso. The angle featuring Jimmy on that 31 March Raw was brilliant. Just brilliant.

One gets the feeling that Triple H fancied widening Gunther's range by adding cowardly heel elements (vs. Damian Priest) and a 'backed into the corner' viciousness (the blood angle with The Usos and trying to choke out Michael Cole) to his game. That was a smart plan, because he couldn't continue being a one-dimensional dominant grappling machine forever.

Every performer needs a few more strings to his/her bow.

At Backlash, Gunther should kick lumps out of McAfee once the announcer starts working his way back in and launching a comeback. That'd infuriate somebody who views himself as an elite level athlete compared to a motor-mouthed shock jock like Pat, and it'd create some stirring drama if McAfee was bleeding a real gusher.

Ideally, it's Cole who throws the towel in for Pat, or something like that. He'd be looking to save his commentary partner from further pain and put a stop to Gunther's relentless thirst for mayhem. Maybe Gunther can get his hands on Michael on a coming episode of Raw anyway. Y'know, just so hammer home how ruthless he's willing to be, and how ticked off he is about no longer carrying gold.

Overconfidence-come-arrogance and blood = vital.