Konnan Says El Grande Americano Is Comedy and Not a Racist Stereotype

Chad Gable’s masked alter ego El Grande Americano has sparked debate since it began appearing regularly on WWE television earlier this year. While the gimmick plays off old-school lucha tropes, some fans think the character is racially insensitive and mocks Mexican wrestling culture. But AAA booker Konnan isn’t having any of it—and he’s calling out who he thinks is really making the most noise.

In a conversation with Wrestling’s Bill Apter, Konnan made it clear he doesn’t find Gable’s portrayal offensive. In fact, he believes the outrage isn’t even coming from the community it’s supposedly targeting.

“No, but it’s funny to me that, as usual, white guys are complaining about a Latino thing. It’s like, bro, we see what it is. It’s a parody, it’s funny, it’s comedy. They’ll complain about, ‘It’s very disrespectful that they have a guy called Grande Americano, and he’s kinda making fun of Mexicans.’ Get off of that bulls**t.”

The gimmick’s popularity grew after Gable briefly disappeared from RAW in early 2025 following back-to-back losses to lucha legends Dragon Lee, Penta, and Rey Mysterio. He returned under the mask and began competing as both himself and El Grande Americano. While many fans have embraced the layered performance, some critics say the character leans too hard into stereotypes.

Konnan, who also discussed the topic on his Keepin’ It 100 podcast, argued that wrestling has a long history of playing with culture—sometimes inappropriately—but that things have evolved.

“At the end of the day, bro, wrestling’s always been behind the curve on racial sensitivity — whether it’s Black, White, Samoan, Japanese, whoever it is. Now, they’ve done a great job, just like society, of giving them their due respect. But before, we were more ignorant, you know what I’m saying?”

When it comes to El Grande Americano, Konnan sees the act as a clear parody—not something meant to demean Mexicans.

“You just can’t be outwardly racial. You have to be very funny and kind of subtle about it. But it’s a parody, you know what I’m saying? I have no problem with it.”

He added that there’s a difference between satire and outright mockery, citing past examples he did find offensive.

“I think the most important part — is it demeaning Mexicans? No, it isn’t. Like, if you remember the lawnmower thing — the Mexicools — very demeaning, you know? I also thought the piñatas were demeaning with the Lucha… whatever, Lucha House Party.”

According to Konnan, El Grande Americano is more of a nod to over-the-top wrestling characters than a jab at Mexican culture. And as far as he’s concerned, those trying to cancel the gimmick might be looking in the wrong place.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.