Chad Gable was written off WWE RAW back in June after an on-screen attack by Penta, but that dramatic segment wasnt just for show. It was WWEs way of covering up a real shoulder injury that required surgery.
Gable underwent surgery on July 1, and recovery from a serious shoulder operation like his typically takes at least six months. That puts his projected return window around December 2025, but it could stretch into early 2026 depending on how his rehab progresses and when WWE decides to reintroduce him into ongoing storylines.
Before the injury, Gable was scheduled to continue his feud with Penta, which was meant to culminate in a mask vs. mask match at SummerSlam. The segment on the June 23rd episode of RAW, where Penta attacked him and hit the armbreaker, was originally booked as the end of their storyline. Once Gable learned he would need shoulder surgery, the attack was used as an exit angle to write him off TV. With Gable sidelined, those plans were scrapped, and the El Grande Americano vs. Penta match never happened.
Its now been four months since his operation, and based on the normal recovery window, Gable is still expected to miss significant time. There is no official return date yet, and a 2026 return remains a strong possibility if his recovery or WWEs creative direction extends his absence.
As for the future of El Grande Americano the masked persona Gable was performing under before his injury that remains unclear. Since his absence, Ludwig has taken over the character in live events and AAA appearances. Whether Gable will reclaim the gimmick upon his return or transition to something new is unknown, and only time will tell how WWE handles his comeback.
Do you think Chad Gable should return as El Grande Americano, or should he come back with a new direction? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know how youd book his return.
