Backstage WWE and AEW Rumors on Chad Gable, Joe Hendry, and More

One of the breakout stars of the Triple H regime in WWE is headed to the sidelines amid an injury requiring surgery.

Chad Gable headlines this collection of insider reports, which also features the latest on former TNA world champion Joe Hendry and his status in WWE, the potential return of a former SmackDown general manager, and the latest on Kota Ibushi's recent return to All Elite Wrestling.

Chad Gable Injured

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The best and biggest push of Chad Gable's WWE career came to an abrupt conclusion Monday night on Raw when he was attacked by Penta backstage.

The angle was designed to write the Olympian off of television because, as reported by Bodyslam.net, the 39-year-old is injured.

"The segment was put together to write him off or reduce his workload temporarily while he recovers," the report noted. "No timeline has been given, and no details on the exact nature of the injury have been shared internally beyond 'undisclosed,' but it was significant enough to require the change."

Mike Johnson of PWInsider Elite added that Gable will undergo surgery in early July.

It is a significant disappointment for Gable, who was enjoying the most sustained push of his career, complete with great character work and his typically fantastic in-ring performances.

Interestingly, El Grande Americano is expected to miss time, too. Also for an undisclosed injury. Also requiring surgery.

Latest on Joe Hendry's WWE Status

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Joe Hendry has made numerous appearances in NXT since WWE forged a partnership with TNA Wrestling, and he even competed against Randy Orton at WrestleMania 41.

His latest appearance, in which he attacked Trick Williams, occurred Tuesday night.

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reported that fans should expect more of the same from the Scot, with appearances through to TNA's biggest show of the year, Slammiversary, on July 20.

Hendry has spent the last handful of years growing his star and finally won the world title in TNA in 2024. He is ready-made for WWE, to the point that it would not be surprising if he ends up signing with the company when his current deal is up.

At Slammiversary, the 37-year-old will compete for the TNA World Championship, a title he lost to Williams at NXT Battleground last month.

A Familiar Face at Evolution?

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Could a familiar figure from WWE's past be heading for a return in the near future?

Sapp reported: "Fightful Select has learned that Vickie Guerrero had told numerous people recently that she would be back with WWE for some things 'in a few weeks.' While the bookings weren't explicitly stated, WWE Evolution does happen in a matter of weeks."

Guerrero's status as one of the most over women in WWE history cannot be denied. At her peak, she was as hated a character as any on Raw or SmackDown, an often-screaming heel authority figure who made life a living hell for anyone who crossed her.

She was a woman of power on a show in which that role was typically reserved only for Stephanie McMahon and her mother, Linda, and even became an on-screen love interest of Edge.

A trailblazer for other women who would become general manager, such as AJ Lee and Paige, Guerrero has earned the right to appear at Evolution and bask in the spotlight that will come with it.

If that is what ultimately comes to fruition.

Kota Ibushi Return Details

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Sapp also reported on the return of former New Japan Pro-Wrestling star Kota Ibushi: "Those we spoke to said that Ibushi is in a much better place physically than he has been in quite a long time."

He added that Trent Beretta was selected as his first opponent back on Dynamite due to his understanding of the Japanese and American TV styles. It was both men's first singles matches on their return to AEW television.

Ibushi debuted in AEW in 2023 and his return on the June 21 episode of Collision was his first appearance with the company since November 15 of that year. He was sidelined due to several injuries he suffered over the years, including ankle issues.

It will be interesting to see how he factors into AEW's creative plans but, with longtime partner and opponent Kenny Omega battling another of his rivals, Kazuchika Okada, at All In, it's not a stretch to imagine he could make his presence felt in that storyline sooner rather than later.