WWE Intercontinental Champion Penta's focus on character work and personality has been identified as the primary reason for his greater success compared to his brother, Rey Fenix, since both arrived in WWE. The newly crowned WWE Intercontinental Champion has connected with audiences on Raw, while Fenix continues to build his career on SmackDown.
Penta captured the Intercontinental Championship on March 2nd, 2026, establishing himself as a prominent figure on the Raw roster. His brother Rey Fenix joined WWE SmackDown on April 4, 2025, but has struggled to achieve the same level of success in the midcard.
Different Paths in WWE
The contrast between the brothers' WWE trajectories has been notable since their arrivals. Penta's character-driven approach has resonated with fans, while Fenix has faced challenges connecting with the WWE audience despite his in-ring abilities.
While acknowledged as a top-tier athlete, Fenix's early WWE debut was deemed more of a showcase of skills, and his early storylines lacked the immediate, high-impact focus compared to Penta.
Fenix entered the 2026 Royal Rumble at number 24 but was eliminated by Brock Lesnar. He also challenged Sami Zayn for the United States Championship on the September 12 SmackDown, but came up short.
Future Tag Team Plans
Despite their individual paths, Penta has expressed interest in reuniting with Fenix as the Lucha Bros to pursue WWE Tag Team Championships. Penta stated that Fenix is the best luchador in the world and wants to win tag team gold together.
A shoulder injury prevented Penta from teaming with Fenix for a scheduled AAA tag match in December last year. Both wrestlers remain under WWE contract on separate brands as they continue their individual runs.
Penta’s strong character work and defined personality have allowed him to quickly resonate with the audience and rise to championship status, while Fenix is still searching for that same footing despite his undeniable athleticism. With time, the right storyline, and stronger character development, Fenix has all the tools to reach the same heights as his brother.
