Olympic gold medalist and NCAA heavyweight champion Gable Steveson has announced his participation in his first WWE wrestling match. However, his college career remains undecided. Here’s what you need to know about this exciting development:
Steveson confirmed that he will face Baron Corbin at NXT Great American Bash on July 30, marking his official entry into WWE. The talented wrestler has been associated with WWE since 2021 when he signed an NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deal with the company.
While Steveson has joined WWE, he is still eligible to return to school, according to a WWE spokesperson. He recently took part in a WWE NXT underground event with Eddy Thorpe on July 4 and expressed interest in competing in the promotion full-time.
In mid-July, Steveson hinted at a possible move to the legendary Iowa program with a tweet that garnered responses from fans of both colleges. The Iowa Hawkeyes are the Golden Gophers’ biggest rivals, adding intrigue to the situation.
Steveson’s wrestling achievements are remarkable. Weighing in at 285 pounds, he is a two-time NCAA champion (2021, 2022) and a three-time Big Ten champion (2020, 2021, 2022). With an impressive record of 85-2 (.977), he holds the best winning percentage in Gopher wrestling history.
Now let’s analyze why this move makes sense for both Steveson and WWE:
For Steveson, this opportunity marks the beginning of his WWE journey after years of anticipation. He became WWE’s first NIL athlete in September 2021 and was honored for his gold medal at SummerSlam in the same year. Additionally, he was featured twice at WrestleMania in 2022, indicating a potential major push. Unfortunately, a cardiac issue prematurely ended his in-ring career, but this new venture allows him to continue his association with WWE.
However, there have been rumors suggesting that WWE hasn’t been entirely impressed with Steveson’s performance thus far. Some believe he lacks the outgoing charisma typically associated with pro wrestling. Nevertheless, his recent appearance at NXT Underground showed promising signs of improvement. Interestingly, Steveson’s older brother Bobby has made a strong impression since joining WWE in 2021 and currently wrestles as Damon Kemp on NXT.
Steveson’s first match will undoubtedly attract significant attention and anticipation. Whether he decides to return to college or not, it will be intriguing to see if he is fast-tracked to the main rosters of Raw and SmackDown or if he spends more time in NXT to further develop his skills. It’s important to remember that professional wrestling is not real fighting, but from an athletic standpoint, Steveson’s signing with WWE is a significant achievement, comparable to the signing of gold-medal wrestler Kurt Angle in 1996.
Now let’s discuss the potential impact of a return to college for Steveson:
Hailing from Apple Valley, Minnesota, Steveson is the most popular athlete in amateur wrestling. With an impressive record of 85-2, including national titles in 2021 and 2022, he has established himself as a dominant force in the sport. In 2020, he was ranked No. 1, but unfortunately, the NCAA tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If Steveson decides to return to college, he would instantly become the favorite to win a third NCAA heavyweight crown, given his previous success.
In conclusion, Gable Steveson’s decision to participate in his first WWE wrestling match marks an exciting chapter in his career. While his college career remains uncertain, his achievements in amateur wrestling and his association with WWE make him a highly anticipated figure in the world of professional wrestling. Whether he continues to excel in WWE or returns to college, Steveson’s talent and dedication are undeniable, and fans eagerly await his next move.
Required reading: Photo: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images