In a jaw-dropping moment that shook the WWE Universe, Pat McAfee made a stunning in-ring return to save longtime commentator Michael Cole from a vicious attack by Intercontinental Champion Gunther. But what began as a heroic act ended in total destruction, as McAfee was brutally dismantled by âThe Ring General,â cementing Guntherâs place as the biggest heel in WWE today.
## **The Shocking Rescue: McAfee Returns to Defend His Friend**
The crowd was electric when Pat McAfeeâs music hit. No one expected to see the former NFL star and beloved commentator back in WWE so soon. But when Gunther targeted Michael Cole, choking and taunting him live on SmackDown, McAfee had no choice but to intervene.
Rushing to the ring, McAfee launched an all-out assault on the Austrian powerhouse, drawing massive cheers from the live audience. For a moment, it felt like a classic underdog story in the makingâuntil Gunther snapped.
## **Guntherâs Ruthless Response: Total Destruction**
Within seconds, Gunther regained control. In trademark fashion, he unleashed a barrage of chops, powerbombs, and punishing strikes that left McAfee writhing on the canvas. Cole could do nothing but watch in horror as his friend was decimated.
The entire arena fell into stunned silence. McAfee, who had stood tall against some of WWEâs fiercest competitors in the past, was now motionless. It was a definitive message from Gunther to the entire roster: no one is safe.
## **Guntherâs Heel Turn Hits Peak: The New Apex Villain in WWE**
Gunther has always played the villain role well, but this moment marked a new level of darkness. Once respected for his discipline and strength, heâs now feared for his unpredictability and sadism. Attacking Pat McAfeeâa figure loved by fans and respected across sports mediaâtook Guntherâs heel character to another dimension.
Unlike traditional heels who rely on cheap tactics or backstage politics, Gunther is terrifying because he doesn’t need help. He thrives on domination. After humiliating McAfee and traumatizing Cole, fans and insiders alike agree: **Gunther is now WWEâs #1 heel in 2025**, even surpassing Roman Reigns, Logan Paul, and Dominik Mysterio in heat and hostility.
## **Michael Cole: The Emotional Center of the Story**
For over 25 years, Michael Cole has been the voice of WWE. Rarely does he step into a storylineâyet this time, he’s at the center. His genuine fear during the assault made the moment all the more real for viewers at home.
Cole has shared a real-life bond with McAfee over the years, and their chemistry behind the desk is unmatched. This storyline is deeply personal. The tears, the shock, and the heartbreak on Coleâs face have already gone viral on social media.
## **Will Pat McAfee Seek Revenge or Step Away Again?**
The big question: whatâs next for Pat McAfee?
Will this assault fuel a surprise return match? Will McAfee challenge Gunther at a major PPV event like SummerSlam or WrestleMania 41? Or was this a one-time appearance, sacrificed to elevate Guntherâs heat?
Fans are already speculating online. Hashtags like **#JusticeForPat** and **#ColeNeedsHelp** are trending. WWE could capitalize on this momentum, potentially reintroducing McAfee as a full-time in-ring competitorâor use this to introduce a new babyface into the feud.
## **Guntherâs Path Forward: Who Can Stop Him?**
Guntherâs momentum is unstoppable right now. His title reign is historic, his in-ring ability is unmatched, and now he holds the crowd in the palm of his handâas the man everyone loves to hate.
With McAfee down, Cole vulnerable, and no challenger in sight, WWE has positioned Gunther as the ultimate boss-level threat. Could Drew McIntyre return to challenge him? Will a rising star like LA Knight or Bron Breakker step up? Or could Cody Rhodes shift focus from Roman to Gunther?