Chad Gable is anticipated to make his WWE return in the near future after a prolonged absence due to injury, setting up a potential confrontation involving the El Grande Americano persona. Fans are eager to see how Gable’s WWE comeback will affect the ongoing storyline that has seen Ludwig Kaiser portraying the masked character.
Injury Sidelines Chad Gable and Alters the El Grande Americano Legacy
Chad Gable originally performed as El Grande Americano before Ludwig Kaiser stepped in to assume the masked identity. Gable’s injury, which occurred during a Raw episode after a storyline attack by Penta, forced WWE to write him off television. Soon after, Gable underwent surgery and spent over six months away from the ring, while in his absence, Kaiser began making appearances as El Grande Americano both in WWE and AAA Lucha Libre promotions. Notably, neither organization publicly addressed the change in the character’s identity.
Upon his recovery, Chad Gable reportedly returned to the WWE Performance Center, suggesting that preparations for his comeback were underway. However, an official timeline for his return has not been confirmed, leaving fans speculating about how WWE will reconcile the existence of two incarnations of El Grande Americano.
WWE Eyes Major Event for Chad Gable’s Return
According to reports from WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select, WWE is planning to bring Chad Gable back to live action during Royal Rumble week in Saudi Arabia in 2026. This would mark his first televised appearance since his injury, potentially culminating in a dramatic storyline involving both Gable and Kaiser as El Grande Americano.
“Chad Gable is nearing a return, but El Grande Americano never left. Gable is getting closer to a return to the ring, with Wrestlevotes Radio on Fightful Select learning that he’s planned to be in Saudi Arabia for Royal Rumble week. Despite this, they’ve also heard that there is no immediate plan to move Ludwig Kaiser away from the El Grande Americano gimmick. [H/T: Ringside News]” – WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select
Despite Gable’s impending return, WWE reportedly has no immediate plans to retire Ludwig Kaiser’s version of the character. This approach keeps fans guessing as both men remain integral to the current narrative.
Clashing Personas and Potential New Rivalries
Recently, Ludwig Kaiser’s El Grande Americano character transitioned into a fan-favorite role at Guerra de Titanes, while rumors suggest WWE may introduce Chad Gable as a leading antagonist in AAA Lucha Libre. This development could place both wrestlers on a collision course, pitting the two Americanos against each other in the ring.
Beyond these two, WWE is also maintaining interest in ongoing Americano-themed characters, including Tyler Bate’s Rayo Americano and Pete Dunne’s Bravo Americano. This broader Americano storyline has the potential to evolve into team-based rivalries: speculation points to a possible 3-on-3 feud, with Chad Gable possibly reuniting with the Creed Brothers for an AAA-inspired storyline.
With the Royal Rumble approaching, anticipation is building among fans for a moment when Chad Gable and Ludwig Kaiser’s personas could face off, adding further drama to both WWE and AAA storylines.
Upcoming Showdowns and Broader WWE Developments
This period marks an active and transitional time in the WWE universe. Parallel stories are unfolding, such as Mercedes Mone addressing challenging accusations during her championship reign, and veteran TNA talent reflecting on their readiness for the WWE stage earlier in their careers. Liv Morgan is also set for a return after half a year off due to injury, and Cody Rhodes is preparing for a high-stakes championship battle against Drew McIntyre in Berlin.
The ongoing developments involving John Cena, Nikki Bella, and other prominent figures keep WWE audiences engaged, while major personalities like Will Ospreay are being tipped for future success within the company by Hall of Famers. Additionally, WWE’s fan-request initiatives for upcoming RAW episodes and the return of legendary talents such as Randy Orton continue to shape the landscape.
The Significance of Chad Gable’s WWE Return
Chad Gable’s anticipated WWE return promises to reinvigorate ongoing narratives and could reshape the direction of El Grande Americano’s storyline. Whether WWE chooses to have Gable and Kaiser coexist under the same character banner, or pit them against each other directly, the outcome is expected to be compelling for both WWE and AAA audiences. The collision of these personas stands to influence how future storylines are crafted within the organization, underscoring the intensity and passion at play as WWE heads into a pivotal year.
