Pat McAfee’s WWE RAW promo praised for being “one of the most believable things” in recent wrestling history

As seen during the April 28th 2025 edition of WWE RAW, Pat McAfee cut a promo in response to him and Michael Cole being attacked by Gunther. McAfee vs. Gunther was confirmed for the 2025 Backlash PLE.

While speaking on Busted Open Radio, WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray praised the segment…

“[He] Was sticking up for Michael Cole, and probably one of the most believable things I’ve heard anybody say on a wrestling show in quite some time. I’m a big fan of the unassuming and unlikely hero. We’ve seen Pat McAfee in the ring a couple of times already. We know he can go in the ring, but last night, to me, felt like he was doing it for the first time. Last night I felt Pat McAfee, his buttons had been really pushed ’cause he showed his admiration for Michael Cole, and Michael Cole gave him his start. Cole and McAfee have a great relationship, and McAfee literally stood up for him when he stood up on the announce table and told the world, ‘F you, Gunther, if you’ve got a problem with Cole, you’ve got a problem with me too.’ I really liked it.”

Former WWE star Nic Nemeth also commented on McAfee’s promo…

“I really liked it, especially when you tie it into Michael Cole so much. Not internet, not just Twitter, in general, some people like Pat McAfee, some people hate him being on wrestling commentary. Michael Cole, however, has that built-in equity of decades of work, whether he’s gone up and down, [with people saying] ‘We rode with him so we know him. He’s good with us.’ So that is the perfect way to do it.” (quotes courtesy of WrestlingInc.com)