WWE SummerSlam 2026: 12 Things That NEED To Happen

7. Chad Gable Wins IC Gold

WWE SummerSlam 2026 Penta Chad Gable
WWE.com

Redemption is nigh.

Chad Gable has admitted to everyone from Rey Mysterio and Rey Fenix to Penta that he was wrong for hating on lucha workers before turning into El Grande Americano. Now, at SummerSlam, he has the chance to win the Intercontinental Title, and it's his failure to bag that belt in 2024 that led to him creating a daring alter ego in the first place.

It's a rock solid story, and Gable's character work has been stellar since he returned from AAA. Honestly, there's no need to cut him off at the knees now. Penta is a popular act, but his own path arguably doesn't need the IC gold as much as Chad's does. Put the belt on Gable, and WWE will open up multiple pathways in terms of where to go next.

He could be a dignified champion who defends the strap with honour like classic workhorse Intercontinental Champs of old. Or, Chad could reveal that he was lying all along and only tugged at heartstrings so he could reach this point. 'I fooled all of you, and now I'm on top of the world'. Either direction would work for him, because Gable is skilled enough to make pretty much anything work.

Apart from 'Shorty G'. Never 'Shorty G'. Screw 'Shorty G'.

'Gable For Gold' has a nice ring to it whether he's heel or babyface, and just think of the matches Chad could have against everyone from Je'Von Evans and Bron Breakker to Ethan Page and Jacob Fatu. All of those sound like a great time indeed.

Contributor

Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.