Next WWE Intercontinental Champion After Chad Gable

WWE

Following WWE SummerSlam 2026, Chad Gable is the new Intercontinental Champion and has successfully completed his character redemption arc.

The former Olympian will now face a litany of challengers gunning for his gold over the next few weeks and months to come.

Whether it be former champions to up-and-coming talents, there are any number of competitors who could be next in line to hold the title next after Gable.

Here are seven potential next WWE intercontinental Champions after Chad Gable.

7. Penta

At WWE SummerSlam 2026, Chad Gable defeated Penta to win the Intercontinental Championship in his hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Despite losing the gold, Penta showcased his respect for the title and his opponent by shaking hands after the match and then again on the August 3 episode of WWE Raw.

Now that Gable has the title, it would not be surprising to see Penta challenge for the title he held so proudly for months.

Penta becoming a two-time Intercontinental Champion could become a reality before long if Gable is not careful.

6. Dominik Mysterio

Following his win at WWE SummerSlam 2026, Chad Gable and former champion Penta were confronted by The Judgment Day’s Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh.

This led to Gable and Penta picking up a tag team victory over ‘Dirty Dom’ and McDonagh.

Mysterio is no stranger to Gable’s gold, being a former two-time WWE Intercontinental Champion in his own right.

While he has had some recent struggles, Dominik Mysterio always feels one win away from finding success yet again and could do just that by dethroning Chad Gable.

5. Ethan Page

Since arriving on the WWE main roster, Ethan Page has been featured consistently as a threat to the Intercontinental Championship.

Claiming the title ‘The Token of Excellence,’ Page has displayed his admiration for the gold and wants to capture it sooner rather than later.

‘All Ego’ had his opportunity when he challenged Penta for the IC Title back at the May 23 WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event where he came up short.

Now that Chad Gable is the current titleholder, Page might be able to figure out a way to cheat his way to victory and become the new Intercontinental Champion.

4. Rusev

Speaking of Ethan Page, the former NXT Champion has developed a partnership or alliance with Rusev with both men going after the Intercontinental Title.

‘The Bulgarian Brute’ made his return to WWE in 2025 and has been trying to make his mark, redeeming himself from his previous run in the promotion.

This has led to Rusev trying to get his hands on championship gold, challenging for the title against Dominik Mysterio last year.

While he has yet to earn his opportunity, Rusev could have the size, strength and experience to be able to get by Chad Gable to win the WWE intercontinental Championship somewhere down the line.

3. El Grande Americano

When Chad Gable made his return to WWE from injury at the start of 2026, it was as The Original El Grande Americano. This return would kickstart a rivalry with El Grande Americano that spanned not only WWE, but also Lucha Libre AAA.

Then at AAA Noche de Los Grandes 2026, El Grande beat The Original El Grande in a Mask vs. Mask Match. Due to this loss, The Original Americano unmasked to reveal himself as Gable in an emotional scene.

Since then, the two men have gone their separate ways, but it would not be shocking whatsoever to see El Grande return to WWE to challenge Gable for the gold now that he is champion.

Being the last competitor to pin him in the ring, it feels like Americano should have a strong claim to get a shot and potentially even beat Gable to win the IC Title soon.

2. Bron Breakker

Bron Breakker first made his main roster debut in 2024 and quickly established himself as the future of the company.

The second-generation star was someone who turned heads and immediately got their attention when he defeated Sami Zayn to become the Intercontinental Champion.

Despite rising to nearly the top of WWE over the past year, Breakker has lost a bit of momentum in recent months after key losses to Seth Rollins and CM Punk as well as a hernia injury.

Needing to find that spark he had two years ago, Breakker may need to go back to where he first established himself and win the IC Title for a third time, bringing some more gold to The Vision in the process.

1. Je’Von Evans

There is no denying that Je’Von Evans has impressed fans and critics alike with his infectious energy, likeable personality and high flying ability.

Showcasing unreal agility, Evans has been considered one of the best athletes that WWE has to offer right now.

Since arriving on the WWE main roster, Evans has set his sights on the WWE Intercontinental Title. After losing to Penta in his last attempt, ‘The Young OG’ let the luchador know that he will hold that championship one day.

Evans checks every box necessary to be a champion and could have the formula to beat Gable somewhere down the line for that IC Title.

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