4 Recent Clues THIS WWE Star Is Joining AEW

4. Vince's Just Not That Into You (October 2020)

Vince McMahon
WWE.com

Our trail starts back in October 2020, when WrestlingNews.co's Paul Davis issued a report citing an internal WWE source sharing Vince McMahon's alleged thoughts on Chad Gable:-

"Vince sees talent in him and he meant well with the Shorty [G] gimmick but Vince might not want to push him all the way as a top guy because of his size. The agents and the writers want more for Chad but Vince can change his mind tomorrow and I think we all know that. Chad knows that.”

Gable's talents are there for all to see. A great athlete with Olympic pedigree, having competed in the 2012 summer games, he is an explosive in-ring mechanic who has impressed as a tag wrestler and in fleeting singles opportunities, though WWE has never figured out the best way to harness his skillset on the main roster.

Shorty G, a gimmick that broke one of wrestling's most critical golden rules (highlight the strengths, hide the weaknesses), wasn't it. Canned last fall, the persona was based primarily on Gable's biggest shortcoming: his lack of height at 5'8". Chad was getting increased screentime early in this run, but he was never going to get over with a character that screamed, "Look how short this guy is!".

A man of underrated charisma, Gable has reverted to competing under his original ring name as the leader of SmackDown's Alpha Academy. He's back on TV semi-regularly, but even if Vince isn't his biggest admirer, Gable has friends in other companies...

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.