For fans of professional wrestling, expectations can often lead to criticism when storylines don’t hit the mark. However, the culmination of the rivalry between El Grande Americano and Original El Grande Americano at AAA Lucha Libre Worldwide’s Noche de Los Grandes surpassed all expectations, marking it as a potential match of the year.
The Match
The anticipation was high. El Grande Americano, known for appearances on WWE and AAA, became a beloved figure in Mexico. Fans embraced him, integrating him into the Lucha Libre culture. On the other hand, Original El Grande Americano played the role of the villain, receiving boos and disdain from the audience.
This rivalry built up to an intense Mask vs. Mask match in Monterey. The packed arena witnessed El Grande Americano defeat his rival, revealing the original to be WWE star Chad Gable. It was a grueling contest, starting with Gable’s guitar attack, and involving interference from Rayo and Bravo against the Creed Brothers, culminating in a table-breaking climax.
The Aftermath
Both competitors ended the match in a state of exhaustion, their masks torn and bloodied. El Grande Americano’s victory was a highlight, and his entrance at the CHI Health Center in Omaha alongside Rayo Americano and Bravo Americano on May 4, 2026, was met with admiration.
Fans and critics alike hailed it as possibly the best wrestling match of the year.
Reactions
I put on this mask to go on a quest to learn the art of Lucha Libre so I can defeat all the Luchadores in the world that I hated. In that process, I learned everything about Lucha Libre, Mexico, and its culture.
Gable expressed his respect for the Mexican spirit, acknowledging that he couldn’t overcome it in this match. Following his defeat, he announced plans to travel to Italy, coinciding with WWE’s upcoming Clash in Italy event in Turin.
Ryan Gaydos, a senior editor for Fox News Digital, reported extensively on this spectacular event.