WWE News Bits: Chad Gable, WM43 ‘go-home’ Raw, and more!

jun 26, 2026 OP

Autor del tema #0

WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select has reported on a number of backstage updates within WWE:

According to sources within the company’s creative discussions, a new entrance routine for Chad Gable is believed to be connected to WWE’s plans heading into SummerSlam, indicating that the former WWE Speed Champion’s new clapping routine is inspired by the Minnesota Vikings’ well-known “Skol” chant. Gable, a Minnesota native from the Minneapolis area, has been gaining significant momentum since his return to WWE following the Mask vs. Mask match in AAA that saw him abandoning the El Grande Americano persona. Those close to the situation continue to describe him as a talent with strong internal support, with WWE believed to see an opportunity to capitalize on the momentum when SummerSlam emanates from U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota on August 1 and August 2.

Sources have also indicated backstage talk within WWE over plans regarding the “go-home” episode of Raw ahead of WrestleMania 43. This comes in the wake of conversations about a potential return to London, England, after the recent trip to The O2 Arena for Raw and the SmackDown taping the next day. If plans come to fruition, a London Raw before WrestleMania would mirror the company hosting its largest event outside North America for the first time when WrestleMania 43 emanates from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Plans to implement a commercial-free first hour for the 6/19 edition of WWE SmackDown were reported as a “contingency plan” in anticipation of a potential Game 7 in the 2026 NBA Finals. Per sources, the decision was made well ahead of time due to the possibility of the show running against a winner-take-all championship game. Despite placing the Undisputed WWE Championship bout between Cody Rhodes against Gunther in that first hour, and adding intrigue to the contest by adding Sami Zayn as a special guest referee, the scheduling concerns turned out to be unnecessary after the New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5, taking a 4-1 lead to capture the NBA Championship.