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By Andrew Ravens
Contributing Sports Writer
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Following a shocking attack by Gunther on WWE Raw where commentator Pat McAfee was choked out while defending his broadcast partner Michael Cole, WWE granted McAfee time on the April 28th episode to address the incident.
McAfee used the platform to deliver a passionate promo, reflecting on how his broadcast success might have distanced him from his roots.
"I think there are a lot of people who have forgotten who the hell I am," McAfee declared. "I've such a successful career on the microphone, I think even I have forgotten who the hell I am.
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This past week has made me look in the mirror and realize some things. That I'm still that dog that was born in the East Hills of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to a truck driver that was trying to go paycheck to paycheck to paycheck."
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He continued, outlining his desired legacy, emphasizing philanthropy and character over accolades: "... when I die and I'm six feet in the dirt... I hope they say he was an empathetic man... I hope they say when I die, that I gave back and left the world better than when I came into it.
And last but not least, when I'm dead and gone, they will say that I was a loyal mother f*****."
McAfee reaffirmed his loyalty to Cole, calling him "the greatest of all-time" and issuing a direct challenge to Gunther.
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"If I die, I die," he stated intensely. "You got a problem with Cole, you've got a problem with me, Gunther."
Acting Raw GM Nick Aldis intervened, proposing not just a fight, but an officially sanctioned match between McAfee and Gunther at the WWE Backlash event on May 10th in St. Louis, an offer McAfee eagerly accepted. The animosity has since spilled onto social media, with both men exchanging jabs online.
This isn't McAfee's first foray into the squared circle. The former NFL All-Pro punter initially appeared as an NXT guest commentator before entering a heated rivalry with Adam Cole, leading to acclaimed matches at NXT TakeOver XXX and WarGames in 2020. He later joined Michael Cole on SmackDown commentary in 2021, bringing unique energy.
McAfee has competed successfully at significant events, defeating Austin Theory at WrestleMania 38, overcoming Happy Corbin at SummerSlam 2022, and besting The Miz at WrestleMania 39, proving his mettle as both a top-tier commentator and a surprisingly solid competitor.
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For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
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