Pat McAfee is scheduled to compete against Gunther at WWE Backlash 2025, emanating from the Enterprise Center in St. Louis this Saturday. The former NFL punter and current color commentator will face the Austrian professional wrestler in one of the featured matches on the premium live event card.
The bout developed following Gunther's loss of the World Heavyweight Championship to Jey Uso at WrestleMania 41. Gunther displayed frustration in the weeks after the championship defeat.
The animosity between the two became apparent when Gunther choked out Pat McAfee on an episode of WWE Raw following WrestleMania. This incident led to Gunther reportedly receiving a suspension.
The match against Pat McAfee was later booked for the upcoming Backlash event, which will be held live from St. Louis.
The event broadcast begins Saturday with a countdown show airing at 6 p.m. ET. The main card is set to stream live on Peacock starting at 7 p.m. ET.
The match between Gunther and Pat McAfee is one of several bouts announced for the PLE. The card includes a defense of the Undisputed WWE Championship between John Cena and Randy Orton.
Other announced matches feature Lyra Valkyria defending the WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship against Becky Lynch, and Jacob Fatu defending the WWE United States Championship in a four-way match against Drew McIntyre, LA Knight, and Damian Priest.
The inclusion of Pat McAfee on the card marks a return to in-ring competition for the commentator, adding a notable name to the lineup facing the former World Heavyweight Champion, Gunther.
