WWE Worlds Collide 2025: Revisiting the bitter feud between Chad Gable and Vikingo
It all started with a slap at WrestleMania 41. Since then, Chad Gable and El Hijo del Vikingo have exchanged more than just words. From Raw run-ins to sharp tweets, this is how their feud began and what could happen next as things heat up on the road to Worlds Collide.
Not all rivalries in wrestling need months of build-up or years of history. Some spark from one moment and create weeks of chaos. That＊s what happened with Chad Gable and El Hijo del Vikingo. The two never looked like they were meant to share a ring, but WWE made sure they did. A heated WrestleMania 41 interaction, social media digs, and a surprise attack led to a featured match at Worlds Collide. The storyline was brief but packed with enough drama and action to get fans talking. Here＊s how it all unfolded, from ringside kicks to rope-walking chaos.
WrestleMania 41: A kick that changed everything
Chad Gable walked into WrestleMania 41 with a fresh identity. As per WWE ring announcer Michael Cole, Chad Gable is El Grande Americano. So Chad Gable＊s new alter character was set to face Rey Fenix in a singles match on Night 1. But before the bell even rang, he noticed AAA superstar El Hijo del Vikingo sitting in the front row. Instead of ignoring him, Gable mocked Vikingo in front of the live crowd.
Vikingo wasn＊t amused. In a moment that shocked the fans in the arena, he jumped up and kicked Gable square in the chest. The contact was stiff, and the security quickly separated them. Though it wasn＊t part of the match, that kick became one of the most shared clips from the show. The match between Gable and Fenix still happened and Gable won, but the real attention was now on Gable versus Vikingo.
Raw appearance and Money in the Bank interference
El Hijo del Vikingo at ringside for Chad Gable's MITB Qualifier ?#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/A74dLkX2GF
〞 WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) May 27, 2025
The two didn＊t cross paths again until several weeks later. On an episode of Raw, Gable was part of a Money in the Bank qualifier against Dragon Lee and Penta. During a fast-paced contest, Vikingo made a surprise appearance. He didn＊t enter officially, but showed up at ringside and distracted Gable during a key moment.
That distraction allowed Penta to hit a big move and pick up the win. After the match, Gable was shown bleeding from a cut above his eye, reportedly caused due to Penta＊s piledriver. WWE played it up with close camera shots and Gable throwing things around backstage. Vikingo showed up, and had a verbal altercation with Gable. This added fuel to the ongoing feud.
Social media sparks kept the fire burning
Chad Gable pressing Vikingo backstage ?#WWERAW pic.twitter.com/RJ53HBGEjr
〞 FADE (@FadeAwayMedia) May 27, 2025
While both superstars kept appearing on different shows, they made sure the feud stayed alive online. Gable posted photos of his stitched-up eye, tagging Vikingo and calling him "a masked dancer with no purpose." Vikingo replied with a short video of his WrestleMania kick, adding, "You started this. Now fly or fall."
The storyline may not have been long, but these kinds of jabs kept it engaging. WWE even aired a short promo package one week before their eventual match, highlighting their contrasting wrestling styles, mat-based grappling versus aerial risk-taking.
Vikingo takes out Chad Gable after mask grab attempt on SmackDown
El Hijo del Vikingo chases off Chad Gable!pic.twitter.com/gyYxckDTIr
〞 WrestleTalk (@WrestleTalk_TV) June 7, 2025
Friday night＊s SmackDown saw Andrade and Penta beat American Made in a fast tag match. But the real chaos started when Chad Gable tried pulling off Penta＊s mask. That＊s a huge insult in lucha culture.
Before he could finish the act, El Hijo del Vikingo ran in and dragged Gable off the apron. The two brawled into the crowd as Andrade and Penta took advantage. Penta hit a big Mexican Destroyer to get the win.
This was Vikingo＊s first WWE main roster appearance. He recently won the AAA Mega Championship and will defend it against Gable at Worlds Collide. His surprise attack might have been both revenge and a warning.
What＊s next for both men?
The match between Chad Gable and Vikingo will happen at WWE Worlds Collide on June 7, 2025. Vikingo is now the AAA Mega Champion, after defeating Alberto El Patron on May 31, 2025. They will collide for the AAA Mega Championship. Additionally, Chad Gable＊s ＆alternate character＊, El Grande Americano, will also be a part of the upcoming Money in the Bank ladder match following the collaboration event.