On WWE SmackDown after Clash in Italy 2026, Chad Gable returned to the Stamford-based promotion. The past few days were massive for the former Alpha Academy member as he competed in a Mask vs Mask match at AAA Noche de Los Grandes.
After the Original El Grande Americano lost, he unmasked himself as Chad Gable. Following this unveiling, Gable got massive praise online, and fans were badly rooting for his singles push.
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After all the buzz, Chad returned to SmackDown this week. This happened when Sami Zayn and Nick Aldis were engaged in a backstage conversation. The National Treasure said that he doesn’t have much time for Sami and has important work to do.
Soon, Aldis welcomed Chad Gable and invited him to a meeting. In this article, we will discuss four reasons why the 40-year-old star returned to the recent episode of WWE SmackDown
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#4. WWE wants to capitalize on the buzz
One of the key reasons Chad Gable returned to the Sports Entertainment juggernaut this week could be WWE’s strategic plan to capitalize on the buzz. The Mask vs. Mask has become a major sensation online, and fans can’t stop talking about it.
Many fans hailed it as one of the best matches in professional wrestling this year. It’s crucial to note that there was no megastar power involved in this feud. Despite this, it gets attention from wrestling fans all around the globe.
Considering the buzz, Triple H’s creative regime may want to capitalize on it. As a result, they brought Chad Gable back to the company on SmackDown.
#3. Chad Gable is finally getting a singles push
Chad Gable is indeed one of the best technical stars in this era of professional wrestling. He has proved his in-ring skills multiple times.
Another possible explanation behind his return on SmackDown could be connected to his upcoming plans in the TKO-led promotion.
There is a chance that the Chief Content Officer could be planning to give Gable a singles push in the company. As a result, he returned to SmackDown this week.
#2. To add more depth to the WWE SmackDown roster
The current roster needs more depth, especially in the mid-card scenario. The majority of the stars on Friday Night SmackDown are heels, and it lacks credible babyface stars.
Recently, WWE moved Finn Balor to the blue brand, which indeed adds more depth to the entire roster. After Chad Gable removed his mask at the AAA, he got a massive positive reaction from the crowd.
Also, when Gable returned to SmackDown, he apologized to Rey Fenix for his past behavior. This indicates that the former El Grande Americano is now a babyface star.
A heroic character of the former Alpha Academy member will add more depth to the roster, and this could be a reason for his return on SmackDown after Clash in Italy.
#1. To attract big numbers online
The Mask vs. Mask match gained significant attention from fans online. Even when Chad Gable appeared on WWE SmackDown, he got a massive pop from the Italian crowd.
This proves that if the company brings him on television, he will at least generate some good numbers on social media platforms, particularly after fans online are convinced that Chad deserves a push.
This element could be another rationale explanation for Chad Gable’s SmackDown return at Clash in Italy 2026. Now, it will be interesting to see how the storyline progresses and what plans WWE has in store for the 40-year-old star.
Let’s hope the company doesn’t fumble with Chad Gable this time and at least give him a mid-card title reign on Friday Night Show.
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Edited by Angana Roy