Pat McAfee is set to face "The Ring General" Gunther at WWE Backlash on May 10. The challenge was made live on WWE's Monday Night Raw, where McAfee, standing atop the announcers' table, accepted the proposal from Manager Nick Aldis, who was filling in for Raw GM Adam Pearce, saying:

A bout between Pat McAfee and WWE Raw has been revealed for the May 10 Backlash pay-per-view. Nick Aldis came out to announce the match, and later Pat McAfee accepted the challenge. Gunther released his anger on Raw last week following his defeat by Jey Uso for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania.

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.