The new champion is officially set for his first major test. WWE Raw General Manager Adam Pearce announced on Sunday that Penta will defend his Intercontinental Championship on the upcoming March 9 episode of Monday Night Raw. He will face off against the “Original” El Grande Americano, Chad Gable, in a high-stakes singles encounter.
This match is a direct result of a segment from last week’s broadcast that saw Americano confront the new champion. Gable wished Penta the best of luck in his pursuit of the title but made it clear that he wanted to be the first man in line for a shot if he was successful. Penta agreed to the challenge and went on to defeat Dominik Mysterio later that evening.
The title change was a significant moment for the red brand, ending Mysterio’s dominant reign that dated back to WrestleMania 41. Mysterio’s downfall was partially attributed to a bizarre meeting with the newly debuted Danhausen. The eccentric star placed a “curse” on Mysterio shortly before the match, which seemed to lead to a critical miscommunication with his Judgment Day stablemates.
Chad Gable returned to the organization as the masked “Original” El Grande Americano during the Royal Rumble in January. He has since been embroiled in a heated rivalry with the second El Grande Americano, Ludvig Kaiser. Interestingly, Gable has been acting as a fan-favorite in this role, while his previous persona in other promotions saw him as a primary antagonist.
The updated lineup for the Seattle broadcast is shaping up to be a historic night for the brand. In addition to the Intercontinental title defense, the show will feature a massive six-woman gauntlet match. Raquel Rodriguez, Bayley, Lyra Valkyria, IYO SKY, Asuka, and Ivy Nile will battle for a chance at AJ Lee’s Women’s Intercontinental Championship.
Furthermore, the powerhouse Oba Femi is scheduled to clash with the returning Rusev in a physical encounter. With WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas just weeks away, every match carries significant weight. Penta will need to be at his absolute best to overcome Gable and maintain his momentum heading into the Nevada desert this April.
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