WWE SummerSlam 2026: 10 Nightmares That Could Come True

9. WWE Goes Ice Cold On Chad Gable

The most natural and logical conclusion to Chad Gable's WWE redemption story is that he wins the title that caused his El Grande Americano meltdown in the first place. Gable has spoken about that in promos. His failure to win the Intercontinental prize led to a one-man crusade against all things lucha. He was effectively lashing out for the sake of lashing out.

Now, he's returned to his senses and realises the error of his ways, but he still craves that workhorse mantle. The only way he can ascend to the heights he dreams of is by beating Penta and seizing the gold. That must happen at SummerSlam. The alternative is awful, and it'd only drag this redemption narrative act out longer than it needs to.

Triple H, rather unfortunately, has a nasty habit of doing that. He drip feeds stories over a prolonged period, and he can book workers to do exactly the same things for 4-6 weeks without any sense or urgency of movement. It's painful, and it shouldn't happen with our Chad. Penta has had his fun with the Intercontinental Title anyway.

Going ice cold on Gable right now at this crucial moment could send him tumbling back down to depth he hasn't witnessed since the dreaded 'Shorty G' days. Sorry to remind everybody of that. It truly was guff. He's in a much stronger position in 2026, but sometimes a babyface has to come through on his promises.

This is one of those occasions for sure. Strap that Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels and Mr. Perfect gold to him, Papa H.