On today's episode of WWE Monday Night Raw in Paris, Penta put his WWE Men's Intercontinental Championship title on the line against Rey Mysterio in a match he had been asking for. What was supposed to be an honorable affair—and was for the match itself—turned into an interesting scenario for the storyline of the El Grande Americano saga.
Backing things up a bit, Chad Gable has been on an apology tour over his Original El Grande Americano gimmick. He lost his Mask vs. Mask match against Ludwig Kaiser's El Grande Americano II at AAA Noche de Los Grandes and spoke about how he learned how to respect the "lucha libre spirit" and the culture surrounding it. Gable appeared on Friday Night SmackDown last week to apologize to Rey Fenix, who told him there are other luchadors he has to make amends with. Gable then apologized today during Raw to Penta, as well as Dragon Lee and Rey Mysterio, who advised him to look back even further than when he put the mask on and see what other things he should reflect on that he did in the past as well.
In the title match between Mysterio and Penta, Mysterio put up a hard fight, but Penta was ultimately able to retain his title by scoring a pinfall after a Mexican Destroyer. They shared a quick moment together after the match, showing respect to each other, only to both be jumped from behind by Ethan Page and Rusev, who laid them both out.
Dragon Lee tried to come out to help fight them off, but failed to do so. Rusev then did the ultimate move of disrespect when he unmasked Mysterio.
This was enough to prompt Gable to run out to help as well, with him sending both Rusev and Page into a retreat. Gable then gave the mask back to Rey, seemingly completing his babyface turn.
This is not the first time Mysterio has been unmasked, as he wrestled for quite some time in WCW without a mask. Various Superstars over the years have unmasked him as well for heat.
The Women's Intercontinental Championship was also on the line on this episode, with Sol Ruca successfully retaining over Lyra Valkyria, who was the first
Along with obviously addressing the follow-up from these events with Mysterio, Gable, and the Intercontinental Championship scene, next week's lineup for Raw includes:
- King of the Ring Tournament Semifinals Match: Oba Femi vs. "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio
- Queen of the Ring Tournament Semifinals Match: Iyo Sky vs. Raquel Rodriguez
- Roman Reigns appearance
What do you think about this storyline with Chad Gable and the luchadors? Drop your predictions and other thoughts in the comments below!