WWE News: American Alpha out of BackLash due to Chad Gable's injury
American Alpha were built up from the get-go. It was clear when their call-ups were announced that they would be the top babyfaces of the division. Many figured that they would win the SmackDown Live! Tag Team tournament at BackLash.
In the latest episode of Smackdown Live, American Alpha did reach the finals of the tournament. However, they will not be winning the Smackdown Tag Team championships. This is because they will not be competing in the finals of the tournament against Heath Slater and Rhyno like they were scheduled to.
After American Alpha made quick work of the Usos, beating them in half a minute, The Usos turned heel and attacked American Alpha when they looked like they were just going to shake their hands. They first super kicked Jason Jordan, and then went on to viciously attack Chad Gable. They performed some harmful maneuvers on Gable, thus injuring his leg in the storyline. The Usos then went backstage and cut a promo, speaking against the WWE Universe for turning their backs on them despite working hard for six years in the WWE.
Later, on Talking Smack, SmackDown Live! commissioner Shane McMahon revealed that Gable would be out for two to four weeks with his “injury”, which is why American Alpha will not be able to compete at BackLash. Since this would leave Heath Slater and Rhyno without competitors in the finals, and they could not simply hand the belts to them, Shane McMahon then announced that at the pay-per-view, there would be a “second chance” match between The Usos and The Hype Bros, and the winner would face Slater and Rhyno in the finals.
It is a do-or-die situation for Heath Slater, as he needs to win the tournament in order to get a SmackDown Live! contract. Though he is a free agent and has appeared on Raw as well, his free agent story has been featured far more on Smackdown Live, the place where he is currently trying to get a contract.
This will be a very interesting situation as a whole. It is almost certain that when American Alpha come back, they will be going after The Usos. Could they be going after The Usos and the Smackdown tag team championships? The WWE Universe is definitely more invested in Slater and Rhyno to win the tag team titles at the moment!