In a dramatic twist that has captivated wrestling fans, Chad Gable has emerged as one of WWE’s most compelling figures following his betrayal of Sami Zayn. This storyline, unfolding with intense drama and stellar performances, has propelled “WWE Raw” to some of its best ratings in recent history. The transformation of Gable into a heel and his obsession with the Intercontinental Championship has not only revitalized his career but also earned critical acclaim.
Chad Gable’s Transformation: From Cringeworthy Gimmicks to Heel Sensation
The journey to this point has been anything but smooth for Chad Gable. He once endured the cringe-inducing gimmick of “Shorty G,” a nickname he carried from 2019 to 2020. However, his recent character evolution into a malicious heel has been a revelation, earning him both fan and critical acclaim. On a recent edition of the “Cheap Heat” podcast, former WWE writer Brian Gewirtz shared insights into Gable’s rise and praised WWE for taking a risk on his new persona.
“Now, you can tell that there’s someone, whether it’s [Chief Creative Officer Paul Levesque], whoever, that says ‘You know what, this guy’s an amazing talent, he’s got a great personality’,” Gewirtz remarked. “You could see him being this overbearing, uncomfortable, truly malicious heel. They’re just letting him take off, and it’s paying off in spades.”
Gewirtz highlighted how easily Gable’s career could have fizzled out had WWE stuck with the “Shorty G” gimmick. “It could very easily have been ‘Yeah, no thanks, we’re gonna stick with this Shorty G thing. We’re going to see this out until the end.’ And then you’ll see, on a very small section of the WWE website, ‘We have come to terms with the release of Shorty G, aka Chad Gable’. He’s earned this push.”
The Feud with Sami Zayn: A Clash of Paths
Gable’s heel turn was marked by his betrayal of Sami Zayn, with whom he initially formed an alliance to help Zayn defeat GUNTHER at WrestleMania 40 for the Intercontinental Championship. This alliance quickly soured as Gable’s obsession with the title led him to turn on Zayn, belittling his Alpha Academy teammates in the process.
Gewirtz drew parallels between Gable’s current trajectory and Zayn’s own path to success. “Sami was the same way,” Gewirtz said. “It really didn’t work for Sami and take off until he got to show his personality, and show his range, and his amazing talent in terms of being able to be a compelling character and suck you in.”
Zayn’s journey from a comedic character involved in hijinks with Johnny Knoxville to a beloved babyface within The Bloodline storyline showcases the potential for talented wrestlers to thrive when given the right opportunities to showcase their range. Gewirtz emphasized that WWE’s faith in their talent can yield significant rewards, as seen with both Zayn and now Gable.
A Critical Acclaim and Ratings Boost
The storyline between Gable and Zayn has not only been a hit with fans but has also significantly boosted “WWE Raw” ratings. The nuanced portrayal of Gable’s descent into a ruthless heel and his betrayal of Zayn have been key factors in the show’s recent success. This storyline has also highlighted Gable’s versatility and ability to engage audiences, proving that he is more than capable of carrying a major storyline.
The success of this narrative underscores the importance of character development and storytelling in professional wrestling. WWE’s willingness to pivot away from less successful gimmicks and invest in their talent’s potential has paid off, creating a compelling viewing experience for fans.
Chad Gable’s transformation from “Shorty G” to a top-tier heel is a testament to his resilience and talent. His feud with Sami Zayn has not only provided some of the best television in recent WWE history but also exemplified the impact of strong character development and storytelling. As Gable continues to evolve and captivate audiences, it’s clear that WWE’s faith in their talent is indeed paying off.
