WWE fans were dealt an unexpected twist this week as news broke that Chad Gable is set to undergo surgery in early July, with no confirmed timetable for his return to action.
Gable, who has been a standout figure on Monday Night Raw in recent months, was written off television during the June 23rd episode in a backstage segment where he was attacked by Penta El Zero Miedo, a spot reportedly designed to accommodate his real-life injury.
While the exact nature of Gable’s injury remains undisclosed, multiple sources, have confirmed the situation is serious enough to prompt creative changes behind the scenes. WWE has yet to officially comment on the timeline for Gable’s return.
But in typical WWE fashion, one mystery leads to another, and speculation is now intensifying around the future of the masked sensation El Grande Americano.
Gable had not only solidified his heel persona as the demanding “coach” of the Creed Brothers and Ivy Nile, but he had also been wrestling under a mask as El Grande Americano, a technically gifted luchador who has quickly built a cult following. Though never officially confirmed by WWE, obvious clues have long pointed to Gable being the man behind the mask.
With Americano currently holding the WWE Speed Championship, the question now becomes: what happens to the character while Gable recovers?
One particularly interesting theory gaining traction online centers on Ludwig Kaiser, who made a surprise appearance in Gable’s segment on this week’s Raw. Some believe this cameo may have been a hint at a future pivot, perhaps even teasing Kaiser stepping into the role of El Grande Americano to keep the character alive on WWE programming.
Watch Ludwig Kaiser take over as El Grande Americano while Gable is out. He wasn’t there by accident. pic.twitter.com/0HYUi3MfdO
— Christopher Perez (@perez_81) June 24, 2025
Kaiser, known for his crisp in-ring work and charisma, could be a fitting choice to continue the Americano storyline, either as a temporary replacement or as a swerve that redefines the character entirely.
Another looming question is the status of the Speed Championship. WWE has shown increasing interest in maintaining continuity around the Speed division — a social-media-driven concept that has proven successful among younger viewers, so it’s unlikely they’ll let the title go dormant for long.
Whatever direction WWE takes, fans are sending their well-wishes to Chad Gable, who has reinvented himself in recent years and was arguably in the best form of his career — both in and out of character.
Stay tuned to PWMania.com for more.
