For over a year now, WWE fans have witnessed the rise of “The Original” El Grande Americano. Played by Chad Gable, he has entertained crowds with his antics and wrestling ability. But when he was out injured last summer, a replacement soon arrived. Ludwig Kaiser took over the role and made the character a hit in Mexico, and even provided huge additions with Rayo and Bravo.
When Gable returned at the Royal Rumble this year, the two clashed and have been at odds ever since. They have a mask vs. mask match at AAA Noche de Los Grandes next Saturday.
However, they haven’t been alone, as they each have two henchmen beside them. “The Original” has Brutus and Julius Creed. Americano has Bravo and Rayo Americano, played by Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate under masks. The four men have helped the two Americanos both in their matches and against each other over the last several months. If Americano is forced to remove his mask, should Bravo and Rayo’s masks come off as well?
Bravo and Rayo Have Helped Americano Maintain Popularity
If the whole storyline just revolved around the two Americanos, things might still be as good as they are—two great wrestlers bringing storylines across countries in AAA and Monday Night Raw. Next Saturday’s match will be exciting to watch. But the addition of the four henchmen has really made the storyline fun. They’re constantly fighting with each other and interfering in matches to help their chosen Americano win.
The ending of the May 16, 2026 episode of Lucha Libre AAA really showed how big their roles are. After brawling, Brutus and Julius tried to unmask Bravo, but Americano and Rayo were there to stop them. It’s a good thing he wasn’t unmasked.
He and Rayo add so much to Americano’s presentation every time he walks to the ring. They dance and have fun, adding flair to their entrance, which could be a huge reason why they have maintained immense popularity. Unmasking them would ruin a good act and tag team.
Bate and Dunne Could Benefit from an Unmasking
The men underneath the Bravo and Rayo masks weren’t just randomly paired up. Along with Trent Seven, Bate and Dunne traveled the United Kingdom independent circuit for years at British Strong Style.
All three of them went to NXT UK, with Bate and Seven having huge success as Mustache Mountain. When NXT UK closed and Seven got released, Bate and Dunne formed New Catch Republic. They had some main roster success before Bate was injured for nearly a year.
He came back last March, they had some matches on Main Event, and then became Los Americanos. Unmasking them will actually help their WWE careers. If people see Bate and Dunne as the men behind Los Americanos the whole time, they’ll realize how talented they truly are.
With many tag teams being released over the past few weeks, a New Catch Republic or perhaps Imperium revival could bring them huge success as themselves. Instead of hiding behind masks, they can unmask big opportunities.
What Will Happen if “The Original” Prevails?
The mask vs. mask match will be very exciting for the competitors and the fans. Only one man will walk out with a mask on. If Americano wins, Gable will be revealed, and American Made will properly reform. But if “The Original” wins, things will get tricky. With the stipulation, Bravo and Rayo’s futures are unclear. Leaving them masked could extend their storyline, as well as creating a way to continue on Americano’s legacy when he becomes Kaiser again.
But underneath the masks are Bate and Dunne, two great wrestlers who haven’t gotten the respect they deserve on the main roster yet. Unmasking them could give them popularity and potential title opportunities, as well as give new fans a look into their careers before this storyline.
There’s no word on whether or not Bravo and Rayo will be unmasked as well if Americano loses. But this storyline has given Bate and Dunne a chance to shine as great wrestlers.
