5-time champion reportedly returning to WWE in time for 2026 Royal Rumble

A former WWE champion is reportedly set to make his return for the 2026 Royal Rumble. He has been out of action for the past few months.

Chad Gable is one of the best wrestlers on the World Wrestling Entertainment roster. He has been exceptional in the ring and has delivered some standout matches. His career was just picking up after he started portraying the El Grande Americano character earlier this year. However, he suddenly suffered a rotator cuff injury, which has sidelined him for several months. Since then, he has not been seen on TV. Even his American Made stablemates have featured less on TV without Gable.

According to recent reports from Fightful Select, sources within WWE claim that there are plans for Chad Gable to return by the 2026 Royal Rumble. These sources even claim that Gable might hopefully return before then.

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Kurt Angle explains why WWE is not pushing Chad Gable

Chad Gable has proven himself to be an incredible worker in the ring and has often drawn comparisons with Kurt Angle. Despite this, WWE has not pushed him into the main event scene.

During an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Kurt Angle praised Chad Gable's talent, but said the office won't push him because of his size. The Olympic Gold Medalist disagrees with this ideology since there have been many smaller guys who have been main eventers.

"I think he's great. I'm happy that he was able to find his niche. I know it's kind of identical to mine, but if it works for him, I'm happy for him. I think, regardless of whether he did my character or anybody else's, I think the kid's incredibly talented. I think he would've succeeded either way. You know the problem with him? I think it's only because the office [WWE] looks at him like this, but he's a little undersized. But that's not an excuse; Chris Benoit was 5'9. Eddie Guerrero was 5'8. Rey Mysterio is 5'5. So, someone like Chad could definitely be a main eventer," Angle said.

It remains to be seen if Gable will resume his El Grande Americano character when he returns.

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Edited by Sunil Joseph