Gunther Chokes Pat McAfee During WWE Raw After WrestleMania 41

Pat McAfee was dramatically choked out by WWE star Gunther during the first episode of Raw following WrestleMania 41, leading to McAfee being replaced on commentary for the remainder of the show. The altercation began after Gunther, frustrated over his recent title loss, confronted commentators Michael Cole and McAfee at ringside, initially putting Cole in a chokehold before McAfee intervened. Gunther then turned his aggression toward McAfee, applying a sleeper hold that left the commentator incapacitated and needing medical attention. This incident is speculated to serve as a storyline suspension for Gunther and a potential exit for McAfee, who may be stepping away from WWE due to outside commitments like the upcoming NFL Draft. Joe Tessitore filled in on commentary after McAfee's departure, while Michael Cole refused to leave despite being advised to take the rest of the night off. The segment has fueled speculation about future storylines involving McAfee and Gunther.