Chad Gable says Penta’s show of respect at SummerSlam was never part of the plan.
Gable beat Penta on Night 2 of SummerSlam on August 2 to win the Intercontinental Championship in his hometown of Minneapolis. After the match, Penta wrapped the title around Gable’s waist as the new champion stood in tears.
Speaking on the Complex Graps Wrestling Podcast, Gable said that moment came from Penta alone.
And I also would be remiss if I didn’t just say, like, what a class act he was. Not too many people go that far anymore to… put the championship on you after… they lose it to you, you know?
He said the two never talked about it beforehand.
And none of that was talked about. None of that was discussed. It was just like, no, this is yours now.
Gable admitted the moment hit him hard.
And I was like, I had tears in my eyes from him doing that, ’cause that’s, you know, that’s like the ultimate sign of respect that he just didn’t have to do. So hats off to him for having some class, man.
The win gave Gable his first Intercontinental Championship. He previously held the WWE Speed Championship in 2025, both under his own name and as El Grande Americano. At SummerSlam, he countered a Mexican Destroyer into the ankle lock, and Penta tapped out. Gable’s family joined him in the ring afterward for the celebration.
Gable earned the title shot by winning a gauntlet match on the July 13 episode of Raw.
