Chad Gable challenges Vikingo at Worlds Collide, delivering a main event that electrified the live audience at Los Angeles’ Kia Forum on June 7, as WWE and their new partner AAA showcased the newly won AAA Mega championship. El Hijo del Vikingo successfully defended his title against Gable in a contest that surprised fans with its blend of technical excellence and high-flying spectacle.
A Unique Start to the Main Event Encounter
The confrontation between El Hijo del Vikingo and Chad Gable, who performed under his luchador persona El Grande Americano, had been building since WWE’s acquisition of a controlling stake in AAA was announced at WrestleMania 41. As anticipation peaked at the famed Los Angeles venue, few predicted the deliberate, technical pace that began their long-awaited battle, defying expectations of immediate aerial action, especially from Vikingo.
The Olympian and the luchador first engaged in a series of mat-based exchanges, a style rarely seen from Vikingo, momentarily subduing the crowd‘s enthusiasm. However, the restrained opening enabled an even stronger reaction when both competitors accelerated the pace with signature acrobatics and creative offense. Gable demonstrated he could match Vikingo’s daredevil style, crystallizing the clash of wrestling cultures in the ring.
Spectacular Moves and Near-Falls Heighten the Drama
Once the action intensified, both Vikingo and Gable enthralled spectators with headline-worthy maneuvers. Vikingo executed a breathtaking 630 senton to the outside, drawing awe for his fearlessness and precision. Gable responded with an innovative sitout avalanche powerbomb, adding his own brand of athleticism to the contest. Each wrestler delivered bold, high-risk attacks—such as Gable’s moonsault driving Vikingo through a ringside table, and the champion returning to the ring to land a Phoenix Splash—though none managed to secure a decisive three count.
An apparent injury for Vikingo became a focal point, as he began favoring his leg or knee late in the match, leaving observers wondering whether the adversary was hurt or masterfully selling his vulnerability. Despite this setback, Vikingo persisted, thwarting Gable’s attempts at a superplex, countering a meteora, and ultimately sealing his victory with a poisonrana, followed by a 630 splash. He grasped his left leg before his celebration, keeping fans speculating about his condition.
The Aftermath and Broader Implications for WWE and AAA
Questions remain about Vikingo’s health, with updates expected soon, although WWE continued to promote him as a vital face of their newly acquired asset. For Chad Gable, the match further established his potential as both an Olympian and a compelling heel, hinting at future storylines for AAA’s championship scene involving either Gable or his alter ego, El Grande Americano.
The event marked a significant afternoon for both WWE and AAA, highlighting the strong performances put forth by luchadors, luchadoras, and WWE stars alike. The combined announce team of Corey Graves and Konnan initially faced a learning curve, but gradually found a balance between calling the action and educating non-Mexican viewers on lucha libre traditions, underscoring the unique flavor Worlds Collide offered compared to standard WWE presentations.
On the competitive front, the results favored WWE, yet AAA salvaged prestige with Vikingo’s headline win, bringing their record to 2-3 in interpromotional matchups that afternoon. The crowd remained animated throughout, with apparent approval from dedicated lucha fans who had been uncertain about what TKO’s involvement would mean for the future of major Mexican wrestling promotions.
Looking ahead, the main event at Worlds Collide set a high bar for collaboration between WWE and AAA, reinforcing the event as a showcase for innovation and inclusivity in wrestling, as well as introducing new possibilities for global stars. As updates about Vikingo’s injury status emerge and future storylines develop, fans are left anticipating how these dynamic partnerships will evolve in the months to come.
