Penta, the former AEW standout and lucha libre sensation, made his highly anticipated debut on WWE Raw this week. The San Jose crowd witnessed an electrifying match where Penta defeated Chad Gable with his signature Penta Driver. His fiery post-match promo in Spanish and the overwhelming fan reaction cemented him as a significant new presence in WWE. Rey Mysterio, a legend in the industry, praised the debut, calling it “a long time coming,” as WWE gears up for the 2025 Royal Rumble.
Penta thrills in debut match against Chad Gable
The SAP Center in San Jose erupted as Penta was revealed as Chad Gable’s mystery opponent. The match, lasting over 13 minutes, was a showcase of Penta’s unique lucha libre style, blending technical precision with high-energy moves. Fans were especially captivated by his finisher, the Penta Driver, which secured his victory.
In a bold move, WWE allowed Penta to cut his post-match promo in Spanish, a choice that resonated with the crowd and reinforced WWE’s focus on its international audience. Chants of “Cero Miedo” echoed throughout the arena, signaling Penta’s immediate connection with fans. According to PWInsider, the segment ran longer than expected, leading to time being trimmed from other matches, a decision that reportedly frustrated some backstage talents.
Merchandise leak sparks mixed reactions
While Penta’s debut was widely praised, it wasn’t without controversy. Hours before the show aired, WWE Shop prematurely released Penta’s merchandise, including his replica mask and t-shirts. This spoiled some of the debut’s surprise, drawing criticism online from fans who felt it undercut the moment. Despite the backlash, the merchandise became a massive success, with several items selling out within hours. WWE management, thrilled with the live reaction and sales figures, appears confident in Penta’s potential as a top draw.
Rey Mysterio on Penta’s debut: “He belongs here”
WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio shared his thoughts during a commercial break, expressing excitement about Penta’s arrival. “I’ve known Penta for a long time, and I’ve always believed his true home was WWE,” Mysterio stated. “He’s shown the world why he belongs here.” While the two masked superstars are not related, fans are already speculating about a potential tag team or rivalry. Such a storyline could symbolize a generational passing of the torch in the lucha libre tradition, further elevating Penta’s profile within WWE.
What’s next for Penta in WWE?
Penta’s debut comes at a pivotal moment in WWE’s calendar, with the 2025 Royal Rumble just weeks away. His performance has positioned him as a potential dark horse in the event, with fans eager to see how WWE’s creative team will build on his momentum. Speculation is rife about potential feuds with top stars like Seth Rollins or CM Punk, further integrating Penta into high-profile storylines.
As WWE continues to expand its global reach, Penta represents a significant step toward embracing international talent and diversifying its roster. His unique charisma, in-ring prowess, and cultural significance as a lucha libre icon make him a valuable addition to WWE’s lineup. With the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania season on the horizon, Penta’s journey is just beginning.
In the words of Rey Mysterio, “Penta has shown the world why he’s here.” For fans of professional wrestling and lucha libre alike, the arrival of the man with Zero Miedo is a moment to celebrate—and a sign of bigger things to come.
