Chad Gable‘s journey from one of WWE’s most disliked stars to one of its most sympathetic figures took another big step forward on the June 15 episode of RAW. Just weeks after the end of his El Grande Americano storyline, Gable picked up one of the biggest wins of his recent career by defeating Rusev.
Gable’s problems began when repeated losses to lucha libre wrestlers pushed him to create the masked “Original” El Grande Americano character. What started as a joke soon crossed the line, as he mocked lucha libre traditions and disrespected the culture behind them.
But everything changed at AAA’s Noche de Los Grandes when Gable lost a Mask vs. Mask match to El Grande Americano. The experience helped him understand the honor and responsibility that come with wearing a lucha mask.
Following that, Gable decided to make things right.
He began apologizing to the people he had offended. Gable sought forgiveness from Penta and Rey Fenix. He also apologized to WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio for disrespecting one of the greatest luchadors of all time.
Soon, his actions backed up his words.
Chad Gable’s salvation continues with a win over Rusev on RAW
Last week on RAW, Ethan Page and Rusev attacked Mysterio in a two-on-one assault. Things got even worse when Mysterio was unmasked, one of the biggest signs of disrespect in lucha libre.
First, Dragon Lee went to help Mysterio, but Rusev and Page made sure to put him down. Then, Gable decided to take things into his own hands.
He ran to the ring and chased off Page and Rusev. It was a small gesture, but it showed just how much he had changed.
For Mysterio, that was enough. The Hall of Famer later told Gable that he had shown true lucha libre spirit and encouraged him to stop beating himself up over his past mistakes.
That made Gable’s match against Rusev even more meaningful.
Rusev dominated large portions of the match. He threw Gable into the steel steps, punished him around ringside, and looked close to victory several times.
But Gable refused to stay down.
He fired back with rolling German suplexes and targeted Rusev’s ankle whenever he had the chance. Even interference from Ethan Page couldn’t stop him.
Gable survived a Machka Kick and escaped the devastating Accolade submission hold. When Rusev charged again, Gable countered with an Angle Slam before locking in the ankle lock once more. This time, Rusev had no choice but to tap out.
But the celebration didn’t last long.
Page and Rusev attacked Gable after the match, but this time he had backup. Rey Mysterio and Dragon Lee rushed to the ring to even the odds and sent off Page and Rusev.
Mysterio and Lee then helped Gable to his feet and raised his hand in victory.
For someone who once mocked the very culture he now stands beside, the gesture said everything. Gable is earning back the respect he lost.
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