On this week's edition of RAW on Netflix, we learned about the next chapter in the saga of former World Heavyweight Champion, Gunther. And it's a sign of things to come for the former NFL punter, as he will come face-to-face with The Ring General at Backlash 2025 on May 10 in St. Louis, Missouri. With the increasing role McAfee is playing on WWE programming, it's time perhaps to wonder if WWE is not overusing the announcer, taking valuable TV time away from the company's actual wrestlers.

After standing up for his friend and broadcast colleague, Michael Cole, McAfee was attacked by Gunther on the April 21 edition of RAW. After being mercilessly choked out, the announcer addressed the altercation this week in an epic promo, as he challenged Gunther to a fight.GM Nick Aldis said he would reinstate the suspended Gunther, but with one catch: It would be an unsanctioned battle; McAfee and the awesome Austrian will face off against each other inside the ring in two weeks.

McAfee is definitely one of the more popular figures in the WWE Universe. The viewing audience seems to love his gritty takes and the comedic value he brings to the broadcast. His promo to challenge Gunther is being praised as one of the best seen on WWE programming in recent years. But perhaps it's time to ask: should McAfee still be considered 'just' an announcer? He's had high-profile matches, and it appears the promotion sees him as more than just a microphone man. How much Pat is too much Pat?

Pat McAfee Delivered a Memorable Promo on RAW to Challenge Gunther

The Ring General's WrestleMania Loss Set the Stage for This Storyline

This entire story was set up as part of the fallout of WrestleMania 41, where Gunther not only lost his championship to Jey Uso, but he also tapped out. It was a blow to his character, one that has been portrayed for years now as an almost insurmountable opponent. Up to that point, he had been a dominant titleholder, toting the belt around for a total of 259 days before finally being conquered.

With that, the 6'4", 250-pound monster has transitioned into the role of a bitter ex-champion, and one who blames everyone else for his loss. That was illustrated when he came out on RAW to harass Michael Cole, forcing McAfee to step in and defend his partner. At the same time, we saw McAfee stepping far beyond the boundaries of most broadcasters. While many commentators will cower in fear when facing a threatening heel, the former Indianapolis Colts punter wouldn't back down. He stood up to Gunther as if he were a full-time wrestler himself.

The following week, McAfee stood up on the announce table and delivered a fiery promo that commentators in the wrestling world are hailing as one of the best they've ever heard. While this will do a lot to raise the stakes for the match at Backlash, and thus help the Ring General get back on track after his loss at WrestleMania, it's still worth wondering if McAfee is really still playing the role of the announcer.

McAfee Is Not an Announcer, He's a Celebrity Guest

Is the Announcer Getting Too Much Spotlight?

McAfee, 37, played for eight seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, was a two-time Pro Bowler, and was one of the most charismatic characters in the NFL during his career. That translated into later success as a podcaster, a broadcaster, and, eventually, a WWE commentator. His over-the-top persona was a perfect fit for the world of professional wrestling.

However, McAfee hasn't been limited to a desk seat next to Cole during his entire run in WWE. He's had individual feuds with former NXT star Adam Cole, and former WWE performer Baron Corbin. However, those figures were nowhere near the level of Gunther, in of their stature (and potential future) with the promotion. Many fans on social media feel as if this might be a bad move and could hamper Gunther's transition to becoming an even bigger star. If he beats McAfee in St. Louis, who cares? All he did was defeat an announcer. And if he's booked to lose, it could be a devastating blow to the recent run he's been on.

That's why McAfee is such a wild card in World Wrestling Entertainment. He does bring in a lot of mainstream attention from the pro sports world and his media appearances, but it may not be wise to let him 'play wrestler' against one of the company's future cornerstones. More importantly, the role of an announcer is not to 'steal' the spotlight, but to help wrestlers get over through commentary. Cole is a perfect example of how an announcer can be charismatic and intense without overstepping. It clearly isn't the case for McAfee, but the question remains if, in the long term, this is good or bad for the WWE.

Are We Getting Too Much McAfee on WWE TV?

The Broadcaster Has Been a Staple of the Promotion's Programming

Some fans have also claimed that they are tired of seeing McAfee portrayed in this manner. They feel he gets too much airtime when he should simply stay in his seat and behind the microphone. While he has his ers, his over-the-top act has started to grate on the nerves of many former ers. His promo was amazing indeed, but some fans wonder if that spotlight shouldn't have been reserved for a Superstar like Karrion Kross, who is equally good on the mic and has more need of the company's .

His wild persona and mainstream fame notwithstanding, McAfee should be viewed now as a permanent 'celebrity guest' rather than an announcer. He has so many irons in the fire outside WWE, along with balancing being both an announcer and a part-time wrestler in the promotion. This angle with Gunther has the potential to set the Ring General back on track, but if WWE isn't careful how they handle this match, McAfee's perception among wrestling fans may be in jeopardy.