Chad Gable’s long-awaited first WWE singles title reign has finally arrived.
In front of hometown fans in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Gable defeated Penta to capture the WWE Intercontinental Championship on Sunday. The 11-minute victory served as the co-main event for the second night of Summerslam.
After landing a nasty Mexican Destroyer on the ring apron, Penta tried for the move again in the ring. A second destroyer was reversed by Gable into an Ankle Lock, a move which he kept hold of until a tap-out submission emerged.
Gable returned to the Monday Night Raw roster in June after losing his El Grande Americano persona in an AAA mask vs. mask match earlier this year. He secured an opportunity against Penta for the Intercontinental title after prevailing in a gauntlet match on Raw last month.
Prior to Sunday, Gable had never obtained a main roster singles title (excluding the WWE Speed Championship, which started as a digital exclusive belt before being moved to NXT). Many of his past championship opportunities came through tag team reigns both on the main roster and in NXT.
An emotional Gable had the title wrapped around his waist by Penta following the match. A large entourage of Gable’s family joined him in the ring for a post-match celebration. He got on the microphone and thanked his family for staying by his side through the highs and lows to end the segment.
Penta put together a lengthy 154-day run with the Intercontinental title. He first earned the belt back in March, defending the title against Dominik Mysterio. He was a highly active champ, defending the belt nine times before dropping it to Gable on Sunday night.
