How WWE’s El Grande Americano Gimmick May Be Teasing A Unique Sami Zayn Return

WWE’s newest gimmick, El Grande Americano, is proving to be controversial in a positive way, bringing tons of heat and attention to the product. The masked wrestler, supposedly a brand new luchador star, is obviously being portrayed by Chad Gable as part of his ongoing storyline. He struggled to defeat masked wrestlers until he transformed into this gimmick.

It creates a unique story in that Gable pretends that he isn’t El Grande, and there’s no doubt he’s fully committed to the role. It has proven to be popular enough that he has earned a WrestleMania 41 match against Rey Mysterio, which should end up being a fantastic match. However, this gimmick might end up being something that leads to a unique return to television for Sami Zayn, as WWE has the potential to pull off a very special storyline.

Where Has Sami Zayn Been?

WWE Might Have To Pivot Storyline Plans For Sami Zayn

• Zayn’s last match was an unsanctioned one against Kevin Owens.
• Owens attacked Sami Zayn after their match at Elimination Chamber.
• WWE revealed Zayn is out of action indefinitely.

Zayn has been off WWE television for a few weeks since the Elimination Chamber 2025 PLE. He and Kevin Owens put together a brilliant match on the night. KO came out on top, and he added insult to injury afterward by attacking him repeatedly to the point where he was written off television.

WWE claimed that Zayn sustained a neck injury and nerve damage, and Randy Orton returned at that moment to help him before Owens did more damage. That was done to set up Orton and Owens facing each other at WrestleMania 41, but that encounter has now been canceled due to Owens being legitimately hurt.

It’s a situation that is likely impacting WWE’s plans for Zayn as he was likely going to return in a bid to get revenge on his former tag team partner. However, Owens’ long-term future in wrestling is now up in the air, and that could lead to the company pivoting in a unique direction for Zayn’s return to television.

El Grande Americano Might Lead To Sami Zayn’s Return

Zayn Would Be A Perfect Rival For El Grande Americano

• Gable and Zayn would have brilliant in-ring chemistry.
• Gable has enough heat that it would feel like a big deal for Zayn to return against him.
• WWE could tap into the alter-ego storyline for both men.

Triple H has always pushed Gable, dating back to their time working together in WWE NXT. Gable has enjoyed a lot of opportunities and his El Grande Americano storyline is the latest example. He’s being given plenty of time on television to develop this character, and hopefully WWE considers carrying it on beyond WWE WrestleMania.

While most people presume that Mysterio is going to win their encounter, there’s no guarantee of that. El Grande picking up the win against the WWE Hall of Famer would mean that another wrestler has to take him down, and there’s no reason why that couldn’t be Zayn.

If he’s not able to return against Owens, whic​​​​​​​h would be the logical next step, then WWE needs to make a new plan. Putting him alongside El Grande Americ​​​​​​​ano would certainly do that, and considering how well Sami Zayn typic​​​​​​​ally performs in over-the-top storylines such as this, it would likely lead to some entertaining moments between them.

WWE Might Debut El Generico

El Generico Was Sami Zayn’s Alter Ego

• El Generico has never been seen in WWE.
• This is one of Ring of Honor’s greatest gimmicks.
• El Generico would be a perfect opponent for this version of Chad Gable.

Throughout Zayn’s time in WWE, he has worked without a mask, but before he joined the company, he worked as El Generico and was a masked wrestler. WWE got rid of this gimmick, but fans have always wanted to see it due to how popular the character was on the independent scene and in ROH, and this is the perfect storyline to do that.

There are enough fans who have no clue who El Generico is that bringing this version of him in would lead to a fun surprise. It would also be a great nod to his past for those who have watched him for many years. It’s not something that would have to happen for a long time, but it would work as a short-term storyline against Gable.

Zayn could do the same thing Gable is now, appearing normal backstage and acting as if he has no idea who Generico is, yet then, inside the ring, it becomes obvious they’re the same person. It would be a case of playing Gable at his own game, all while tapping into a legendary wrestling gimmick in Generico, which would help to create a unique and entertaining storyline that fans would be sure to love.