Despite some obvious ties to the Trump administration, WWE largely presents itself as apolitical. However, the pro wrestling giant made the rare move of alluding to real-life politics on Monday by billing a “new” wrestler as from “the Gulf of America.” The quotation marks around “new” are significant, as the luchador known as El Grande Americano bears a striking resemblance to Chad Gable, whose identity has previously been a point of reference for Pat McAfee in relation to Brett Favre’s previous defamation lawsuit.
On Monday’s episode of WWE Raw, El Grande Americano made his in-ring “debut.” During a video package parodying the history of lucha libre, which some believe was at least partially generated by artificial intelligence, he was announced as “hailing from the Gulf of America” by ring announcer Alicia Taylor.
This video on El Grande Americano is amazing.
“Hailing from the Gulf of America.”
😂😂😂😂😂— Triple H’s Thoughts 💭 (@TripleHHHPaulL) March 24, 2025
EL GRANDE AMERICANO’S ENTRANCE
FROM THE GULF OF AMERICA 😭😭😭
PROTECT CHAD GABLE AT ALL COSTS!#WWERAW pic.twitter.com/uVZLYtVJXA
— The Movement – Pro Wrestling (@TheMovementXx) March 24, 2025
Previously known as the “Gulf of Mexico,” this body of water has become a political topic in recent months, notably following President Donald Trump’s insistence on calling it the “Gulf of America.” This change has been at the center of the White House’s dispute with the Associated Press, which continues to refer to it by its original name. While many sports broadcasts have avoided the subject or navigated it awkwardly, WWE seems to be embracing it. It’s important to note that Gable, or rather El Grande Americano, is portrayed as a heel (bad guy) promoting American exceptionalism, which adds nuance to WWE’s use of the name.
This usage is particularly notable given former WWE CEO Linda McMahon’s current position as secretary of education in Trump’s administration. Furthermore, it comes just weeks after McAfee attracted media attention by taking issue with Canadian fans who booed the United States national anthem during the WWE Elimination Chamber event amid ongoing political tensions between the U.S. and Canada.
