Fans have been reacting strongly to a clip from Season 2 of WWE Unreal, where WWE’s creative team is seen discussing with announcer Pat McAfee the possibility of having him defeat Gunther, one of the toughest wrestlers on the roster. McAfee himself voiced concern, pointing out that the clip was being shared for the wrong reasons.
Many fans who saw the teaser quickly flooded the comments, criticizing WWE’s creative team for even entertaining the idea of McAfee surpassing Gunther. A lot of the backlash targeted Bruce Pritchard, who appeared to support this unexpected storyline. On the other hand, some fans defended Triple H, who was noted for indicating that if Gunther were to lose, he would need to continue winning to make up for that setback.
McAfee, likely aware of the online discussions about his role and future in WWE, responded by saying it was a genuine honor to share the ring with Gunther, whom he called “The Ring General.” He admitted that initially, as a longtime fan, he was skeptical about the WWE Unreal concept, fearing it might ruin the illusion that makes pro wrestling special for new fans. However, he now suspects wrestling will remain strong if done well and expressed appreciation for learning the behind-the-scenes workings of the industry through the show. Although he might not show some parts of the episode to his kids and grandkids, he cherishes the overall experience as something remarkable.
McAfee’s reaction shows he understands his unique position in wrestling—not just an announcer, but not quite a full competitor either. Defeating Gunther would have been a controversial plot, so instead of arguing about it, McAfee chose to honor his time in the ring with Gunther and demonstrated his deep respect for how wrestling operates behind the curtains.
He also acknowledged that the WWE Unreal series has a polarizing effect since revealing how wrestling is produced can challenge the magic fans expect. Yet, this insight into the craft only increased his respect for the art form, and he’s genuinely happy to be part of it.
Fan Take: This news highlights the delicate balance WWE must strike between protecting top-tier talent like Gunther and giving opportunities to personalities like Pat McAfee. It reminds fans that wrestling is as much about storytelling and respect for the craft as it is about in-ring action, which is crucial for the sport’s ongoing popularity and evolution.
