Why a Three-Time Tag Team Champion Should Win the IC Title off Penta at SummerSlam 2026
On the July 13th episode of Monday Night Raw, a seven-man Gauntlet Match will take place to determine the top contender to Pénta’s Intercontinental Championship and will have the right to face ‘Cero Miedo’ at SummerSlam. The participants in the Gauntlet Match will be Joe Hendry, Ethan Page, Rusev, Je’Von Evans, Dragon Lee, ‘Dirty’ Dominik Mysterio, and Chad Gable. Ever since being revealed as the Original El Grande Americano, Gable has been given a ton of TV time and shifts in his character arc that see him align with WWE luchadores such as Pénta, Lee, and Rey Mysterio. With a newfound respect for lucha libre since losing his El Grande Americano mask, the three-time Tag Team Champion could very much become the top contender for the IC title and challenge the current champ in his hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
A win on Monday would have Gable one step closer to capturing the piece of gold he’s chased numerous times before but failed to win. Not only would it be his first singles championship in WWE, but being able to do so in your hometown makes that memory so special. The three-time Tag Team Champion could be given the treatment CM Punk got during the June 7th episode of Raw, when he made a surprise return and won the WWE Championship from Sami Zayn. WWE loves making memorable moments, and having that happen for Gable, especially for his first time as a singles champion, would be magical to see.
Pénta made his debut on the January 13th, 2025 episode of Monday Night Raw, which saw him defeat Gable and eventually push the three-time Tag Team Champion to become the Original El Grande Americano. Now, the same man who made Gable spiral could be the one who loses his title at the Biggest Party of the Summer. Both men’s newfound respect won’t change the fact that they can put on stellar matches in the ring; it’s whether Gable can live up to the big moment and take down the Intercontinental Champion who has zero fear. A potential loss at SummerSlam could even see Pénta having his own spiral if WWE plans it for any future story.
From American Alpha to being called Shorty G, to Alpha Academy, American Made, and then as the Original El Grande Americano, Gable has done it all for WWE and the WWE Universe since debuting in NXT in 2015. It is time to make the switch and give the three-time Tag Team Champion his first singles title. Pénta has had an outstanding Intercontinental Championship reign, holding the title for over 125 days, but it’s time to give the championship to the next workhorse of the division. Gable has shown his range throughout his years in the company and deserves to be rewarded for the work he’s put in. It’s just a matter of how WWE showcases it and whether they can build it up to be as truly special as it should be.
