Pat McAfee stepped into the WWE ring at Backlash, but fans were taken aback by his unusual attire. Instead of his go-to black tank top, the former NFL star sported a WWE replica Indianapolis Colts jersey adorned with the cheeky nickname 'Mahtherfahker' on the back and the motto 'Loyal ’til I’m in the soil' on the captain's patch. This outfit suggested a comedic role rather than showcasing his impressive wrestling talent, which earned him the title of Wrestling Observer Newsletter's 2020 Rookie of the Year.

As the match unfolded, McAfee surprisingly stripped off the jersey, revealing his bare chest—a bold move that raised eyebrows. But instead of excitement, I felt a wave of concern for him. As a dedicated wrestling fan, I knew Gunther's fearsome reputation, especially his brutal chops that could easily leave a lasting mark on McAfee's bare skin.

True to form, Gunther unleashed a series of open-handed slaps that transformed McAfee's chest into a canvas of red. While professional wrestling may be scripted, the pain inflicted by a 6-foot-4, 251-pound powerhouse is undeniably real. Despite the onslaught, McAfee showcased his resilience, landing his own strikes and flaunting his athletic prowess, but the match was largely a platform to reestablish Gunther's dominance after his defeat at WrestleMania 41.

McAfee's effort was commendable, but this bout wasn’t quite a career highlight compared to his iconic showdown with Adam Cole at NXT TakeOver XXX. However, with stakes high and the storyline intensifying after Gunther's choke-out of McAfee post-WrestleMania, this match became one of Backlash's most highly anticipated events.

Ahead of the show, McAfee proved to be an engaging promoter, building excitement for his clash with Gunther, which surely didn’t disappoint. In a surprising turn, Gunther acknowledged McAfee after the match, a gesture that left fans wondering whether this was a sign of a character shift for WWE's premier heel or simply a moment of respect between competitors.

Regardless, McAfee's passion for wrestling shone through, earning him respect from fans and foes alike. As the dust settles from this thrilling encounter, one thing is clear: Pat McAfee is a force to be reckoned with in the squared circle!