In March 2025, Chad Gable began a journey that would forever change his WWE career. He was frustrated after losing many matches to different luchadores, so he went on a trip to Mexico to learn about Lucha Libre. Putting on a mask and naming himself El Grande Americano, his character began as a mockery. But after an injury and Ludwig Kaiser taking over the role, he came back with a vengeance at the Royal Rumble.
For the last four months, the two men battled across AAA and WWE for the right to be Americano. During Night 1 of Noche de Los Grandes, “The Original” El Grande Americano took off his mask after a brutal mask vs. mask match, revealing himself to be Gable.
He apologized to Rey Fenix on the June 5, 2026, episode of Friday Night SmackDown, and protected an unmasked Rey Mysterio on the June 8 Monday Night Raw. This doesn’t feel fake; instead, it feels like he actually learned something from the past year.
Chad Gable Now Deeply Respects the Lucha Libre Culture
Gable was always a tough wrestler, but he was also very silly in the ring. He singlehandedly got over “A-THANK YOUUUU!” and “SHOOOOSH!”, two wacky catchphrases that fans loved. Even when he first became Americano, he had a joking and mocking vibe about him.
But over the past year, especially when Kaiser became Americano, he learned that Lucha Libre is no laughing matter. Each week of competing led to harder opponents and tricky situations he had to get out of.
Leading up to the mask vs. mask match, things got intensely personal between El Grande Americano and “The Original”. That led to many giant brawls that many men couldn’t stop on their own.
When he unmasked, his face showed a man who had fought many wars over the last few months. There was no smiling, only deep respect. That’s why when Rey was attacked and unmasked by Ethan Page and Rusev, he was the first person to defend him. His journey led him to a deep appreciation for Lucha Libre.
He Feels Like He Has to Make Up for His Mistakes
When he began his Lucha journey, Chad Gable thought Lucha Libre was just funny men in masks. He thought the whole culture was a complete joke. That’s why he called himself “The Great American”, said “OLE!”, and paraded around with mariachi music and a band at WrestleMania 41.
He only took things seriously when a serious man replaced him as El Grande Americano. Someone else was getting the recognition by respecting Lucha Libre culture, not mocking it.
That’s why he had to take things seriously if he was going to be the only Americano. Unfortunately, that didn’t work, and now he’s back as Gable. But now he knows the importance and seriousness of being part of Lucha Libre.
Apologizing to wrestlers such as Penta, Rey Fenix, and Rey Mysterio shows them that he has changed his ways. Actually defending them is more brave. He now has their full respect, which could come in handy in case any of them are looking to get out of trouble.
He Has Learned Many Valuable Lessons
Chad Gable wanted a way to mock the Lucha Libre culture, so he created a fake persona with a mask and mariachi music. When his injury occurred, and Kaiser came into the role, what started as fun now became serious. Kaiser took the persona and made the character and himself into a cult hero in AAA.
He got rid of all the mocking aspects, replacing them with acts of bravery and charisma that got him cheered. Gable returned and fought a battle, not just against Americano, but against himself.
He unmasked after a gruesome fight, but didn’t chuckle or laugh. Instead, he made a speech that everyone was proud of, thanking everyone for the journey and how much he learned about Lucha Libre as a whole. When he returned to WWE television, he apologized to the Luchadores and defended Rey’s unmasking, showing that his actions backed up his words. Gable’s mocking intent turned into a deep appreciation and reverence for Lucha Libre culture.
