Chad Gable Returns To WWE TV On SmackDown (WWE News)
WWE booked a big return on Friday's SmackDown in Bologna, Italy. Chad Gable's AAA adventure is over.
Chad Gable returned to mainline WWE programming via Friday's episode of SmackDown beamed from Bologna, Italy. The celebrated workhorse wrapped up a huge chapter in his career by losing a 'Mask vs. Mask' match to the newer El Grande Americano (Ludwig Kaiser) at AAA's Noche de los Grandes event on 30 May in Monterrey, Mexico.
That adventure is now officially over, because Gable roared back into view during several backstage segments on this week's blue brand.
Firstly, Chad walked in on an argument Sami Zayn was having with SmackDown GM Nick Aldis about how he's been treated around the place. Gable and Zayn shared an icy stare before the former strolled into Nick's office to talk about his immediate future.
Later, it was all but confirmed that Chad will be babyface on SmackDown. He approached new AAA Cruiserweight Champion Rey Fenix in another behind the scenes skit, and Gable went on to apologise for how he acted towards Fenix heading into their match at 2025's WrestleMania 41.
Rey accepted the apology, but teased that his former adversary will have to say sorry to some others too. Presumably, he's talking about Penta there, so stay tuned for more of this from Gable on coming episodes of TV - there's a chance he'll also meet with Adam Pearce over on Raw before settling into life on one brand.
Fans in Bologna seemed very happy to see Gable pop up on the big screens. He hasn't wrestled a match for WWE as himself since losing to AJ Styles back on the 9 June 2025 episode of Raw. That'll change soon.