In a dramatic showcase at WWE WrestleMania 41, El Grande Americano emerged victorious against Rey Fenix in a match that had fans buzzing with excitement and controversy. Both competitors made their debuts at this year’s WrestleMania, which took place on April 20, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The atmosphere was electric as Rey Fenix stepped in as a last-minute replacement for the injured Rey Mysterio, who was unable to compete after suffering an injury during a six-man tag match on SmackDown the previous week.
El Grande Americano, portrayed by Chad Gable, has been a polarizing figure in WWE since his debut. His character, which has drawn criticism for being a “disrespectful mockery of Lucha Libre,” entered the arena accompanied by a mariachi band, setting the stage for a showdown that fans had eagerly anticipated. However, the match quickly took a turn when Americano utilized an illegal tactic that would change the course of the bout.
As the match unfolded, Americano cleverly inserted a metal plate into his mask, a move that would ultimately lead to Fenix’s downfall. The luchador, known for his incredible agility and high-flying maneuvers, attempted a signature move, the Goodbye Amigo kick, but instead struck the metal plate in Americano’s mask, injuring his foot. This unfortunate turn of events set the stage for Americano to capitalize on the situation.
Americano countered a springboard dive from Fenix with a devastating headbutt, showcasing his newfound ruthlessness in the ring. The crowd gasped as Americano then ascended to the top rope, delivering a flying headbutt that secured his victory. The match concluded with Americano standing tall, marking the first WrestleMania win for both him and Gable, who had yet to taste victory at WWE’s biggest event.
The backstory leading up to this match added layers of intrigue. Rey Mysterio, originally scheduled to face Americano, was pulled from the card after suffering an injury at the hands of Julius Creed during a tag match. Mysterio’s absence raised questions about how WWE would handle the situation, but they quickly pivoted by bringing in Fenix, a high-profile signing and one of the most talented luchadores in the industry.
Fenix’s performance, while impressive, was overshadowed by the controversial tactics employed by Americano. After the match, fellow luchador Vikingo, who had been watching from ringside, confronted Americano for his underhanded tactics, signaling that tensions were far from resolved. The aftermath of the match left fans buzzing about the potential for future confrontations and rivalries.
As the dust settled on WrestleMania 41, the implications of Americano’s victory were significant. While some fans celebrated his win, others expressed outrage over the character’s portrayal and the methods used to secure the victory. The WWE’s decision to continue pushing the Americano gimmick, despite its contentious nature, suggests that the company is committed to exploring the storyline further.
Chad Gable’s transformation into El Grande Americano has been a journey filled with ups and downs. Once a fan-favorite babyface in pursuit of championship gold, Gable’s heel turn and subsequent persona have drawn mixed reactions from the audience. His ability to adapt to the Americano character has been commendable, showcasing his versatility as a performer.
However, the question remains: how long can the Americano gimmick sustain itself in the eyes of fans and critics? With a roster filled with legitimate luchadores like Penta and Fenix, many believe that the spotlight should be shared more equitably among those who represent the Lucha Libre tradition authentically.
In the aftermath of WrestleMania 41, it is clear that the rivalry between Americano and Fenix is just beginning. As Fenix seeks to avenge his loss and reclaim his place in the spotlight, the WWE Universe can expect more thrilling encounters and dramatic storylines in the coming weeks. The future looks bright for both competitors, but only time will tell how this storyline will evolve.
With WrestleMania 41 now behind us, the WWE continues to push boundaries and create compelling narratives that resonate with fans. The outcome of this match may have been controversial, but it undoubtedly set the stage for exciting developments in the world of professional wrestling.
