The next chapter in WWE’s integration with AAA Lucha Libre will unfold on July 25, as the current WWE Speed Champion, El Grande Americano, is scheduled to make his official debut for the promotion. The match is confirmed for the upcoming television tapings in Mexico City at the Juan de la Barrera Olympic Gymnasium.
His opponent will be the former AAA Latin American Champion, Octagon Jr. This booking continues the talent exchange that began after WWE’s acquisition of the Mexican promotion in April, which was highlighted by the subsequent World’s Collide event.
Octagon Jr. is an established name in AAA and was the first contracted talent from the promotion to compete on a WWE PLE, where he challenged Dominick Mysterio for the Intercontinental Championship. A veteran since 2010, he has also competed for TNA/Impact Wrestling, MLW, and the NWA.
The El Grande Americano character itself has seen recent developments. After Chad Gable, who originated the role, suffered a shoulder injury in June, Ludwig Kaiser made a surprising appearance in the gear during a backstage segment. This upcoming match marks the character’s formal in-ring return to Lucha Libre.
El Grande Americano will not be the only WWE talent making an impact in AAA. Los Garza, the team of Angel and Berto, captured the AAA World Tag Team Championship at TripleMania Regia last month. It remains unclear if this debut match for El Grande Americano is a one-time appearance or signals a more regular presence in the promotion.