Updated

Updated · Yahoo Sports · Aug 18

Chad Gable Retains Intercontinental Title in 1st Defense, Beating Rey Mysterio on Raw

Updated

Updated · Yahoo Sports · Aug 18

Chad Gable Retains Intercontinental Title in 1st Defense, Beating Rey Mysterio on Raw

Q: After receiving a Hall of Famer's ultimate endorsement, who could possibly dethrone Chad Gable for the Intercontinental Championship?

The most credible next man to dethrone Chad Gable is **Penta**, with **Oba Femi** and a possible rematch from **Rey Mysterio** also standing out as realistic threats. Gable’s win over Mysterio on Raw was significant not just because he retained the Intercontinental Championship, but because Mysterio — a WWE Hall of Famer — effectively endorsed him afterward by placing the title around his waist. That moment reinforced Gable’s legitimacy as champion and raised the bar for whoever eventually beats him. Based on the available context, **Penta** is the strongest answer. Gable only recently won the title from Penta at SummerSlam Night 2, which makes Penta the most obvious unresolved rival. A former champion seeking redemption is a natural next dethroning candidate, especially after Gable’s reign began so recently. **Oba Femi** also fits the profile of a serious future challenger. He has been presented elsewhere on Raw programming as a powerful rising force, and WWE often uses the Intercontinental title to elevate dominant breakout stars. If WWE wants to turn Gable’s respected reign into a star-making loss, Femi would make sense. Mysterio cannot be ruled out either. He pushed Gable to the limit with repeated 619s and nearly stole the match before Gable reversed the final cradle. But after the post-match respect spot, Mysterio now looks more like the man who validated Gable than the one most likely to unseat him. Right now, **Penta appears to be the best bet**.

3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Aug 18

Chad Gable kept the Intercontinental Championship on WWE Raw, pinning Rey Mysterio with a tight roll-up after reversing Mysterio's escape from an ankle lock.
The finish came after Mysterio landed two 619s and climbed for a frog splash, only for Gable to get his knees up and reapply the submission hold.
Gable controlled much of his first title defense, surviving Mysterio's late surge and repeated kick-outs after an Angle Slam, an avalanche Angle Slam and a flying headbutt.
Mysterio created several openings on the outside — including a moonsault from the apron and ringpost spots — but could not turn them into a title change.