On the latest episode of Raw, Sami Zayn emerged victorious in a grueling Gauntlet Match, earning himself an opportunity to challenge Gunther for the Intercontinental Title at WrestleMania.
However, controversy tainted Zayn’s win, as it appeared Chad Gable’s shoulders weren’t entirely on the mat during the decisive pinfall.
Leading up to the match, Gable openly expressed the significance of the bout, articulating his dream of defeating Gunther at WrestleMania.
The heartbreak was evident in Gable’s demeanor post-match, questioning his standing as a singles wrestler. In an interview with Cathy Kelly backstage, Gable delved into the emotional aftermath of the defeat.
“Coming up short, you hear that all the time. It’s starting to become the story of my career, thus far, unfortunately, at least my singles career. Disappointing puts it lightly. More than anything, it’s defeating, in a sense. For those that have never felt something like this, it’s more visceral than you can really describe.”
He further explained the personal stakes involved, extending beyond the realm of WrestleMania or championship aspirations.
Gable elucidated on the impact of letting people down, especially those who depend on him, making it a deeply personal experience tied to his family and principles.
Post-match, Zayn shared a moment with Gable, whispering something in his ear. When asked about it, Gable chose to keep the conversation private but acknowledged the respect he holds for Zayn as the better man that night.
Reflecting on the future, Gable admitted uncertainty and the need for introspection. He emphasized his realistic and self-aware approach, ruling out attempts to manipulate his way into additional opportunities at WrestleMania.
Gable expressed his upcoming period of aimlessness and self-questioning, considering the defeat a paradigm shift.
Meanwhile, Bronson Reed, who missed Elimination Chamber and will now miss WrestleMania, conveyed a sense of defeat and anger.
In a social media post, Reed lamented his fall from grace, having initially been scheduled to face Seth Rollins at Elimination Chamber before Rollins suffered a knee injury. The post reflected Reed’s frustration at missing out on both major events.
