Chad Gable marked his return to WWE during the Royal Rumble, reappearing as the original El Grande Americano. Entering at number 13, Gable immediately confronted the current El Grande Americano, leading to a tense staredown and a brief but intense clash between the two.
Original El Grande Americano Clashes with Successor
After their confrontation, Chad Gable, as the original El Grande Americano, eliminated the newer Americano from the Royal Rumble match before being ousted himself by Trick Williams. Gable had been sidelined since last June due to a shoulder injury that required surgery, during which Ludwig Kaiser assumed the El Grande Americano role.
Ludwig Kaiser’s Shift Between Promotions and Roles
Ludwig Kaiser took over the El Grande Americano character in AAA, where he gained popularity as a babyface star, regularly appearing in events. However, on WWE’s Raw brand, he portrays a heel alongside Rayo and Bravo Americano, the latter two formerly known as Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate.
Additional Returns and Surprises in the Men’s Royal Rumble
LA Knight, who had been eliminated in December by The Vision, also made a strong return, focusing on Logan Paul, Bronson Reed, and Austin Theory and successfully eliminating the last two. Another surprise participant was former Powerhouse Hobbs. Additionally, Royce Keys debuted by eliminating Damian Priest early before being sent out by The Vision.
Royal Rumble Results Hint at New Storylines
Chad Gable’s return as El Grande Americano not only brought a familiar face back to WWE but also set the stage for ongoing rivalries involving Trick Williams and the current El Grande Americano. The mix of returning talents like LA Knight and surprise entrants such as Royce Keys adds fresh dynamics to the WWE roster ahead of upcoming events.
