The development follows events at AAA Noche de Los Grandes. In a Mask vs. Mask Match, El Grande Americano defeated The Original El Grande Americano. Following his loss, The Original El Grande delivered an emotional promo, unmasking to reveal himself as Chad Gable.
\nWith his return to WWE programming, Gable could be in line for a major position. Potential plans for SummerSlam 2026, which will take place in his hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota, are being discussed.
Potential SummerSlam 2026 Scenarios for Chad Gable
One possibility is a future rematch with Americano. Their Mask vs. Mask Match at AAA Noche de Los Grandes could lead to a continuation of their rivalry on a major WWE stage like SummerSlam 2026 in Minneapolis.
Gable's personal vendetta against luchadors began during a rivalry with Rey Mysterio. Gable, as The Original El Grande Americano, was scheduled to face Mysterio at WrestleMania 41. This bout was canceled when Mysterio sustained an injury on the SmackDown episode prior to WrestleMania. Now unmasked, a singles match between Gable and Mysterio could occur down the line.
Rumors have suggested Brock Lesnar might retire following SummerSlam 2026, with the event taking place in his hometown of Minneapolis. While Lesnar is expected to conclude his rivalry with Oba Femi at the show, a first time match between Gable and Lesnar has been mentioned. This potential matchup could evoke memories of Lesnar's past battles with Kurt Angle.
Another potential opponent is CM Punk. The two have only faced each other in a three-way match in 2025. With Punk's return to the company in 2023, a high-profile singles match between Punk and Gable at SummerSlam 2026 in Minneapolis could position Gable prominently on the card.
Gable's significant rivalry with GUNTHER over the Intercontinental Championship is also a strong possibility for a revisit. Gable was unable to secure a victory against "The Ring General" during their encounters. Many fans believe Gable's heel turn in 2024 stemmed from his failure to win the Intercontinental Title from GUNTHER. A grudge match between a reformed Gable and GUNTHER at SummerSlam 2026 could be compelling.
Current WWE Intercontinental Champion Penta is another name linked to Gable. Penta defeated Gable in his WWE debut match in January 2025. Penta has since secured additional victories over Gable and has been cited as a potential catalyst for Gable adopting the El Grande Americano persona. A title defense against Gable at SummerSlam 2026 is a plausible direction, with Penta holding the Intercontinental Championship.
WWE could also leverage the momentum Gable gained from his Mask vs. Mask Match in Lucha Libre AAA to launch him directly into the main event picture for SummerSlam 2026. This would represent a significant push for Gable, placing him in one of the year's biggest matchups.
