Gable Steveson, the Olympic gold medalist and two-time NCAA Heavyweight Champion, is making a return to collegiate wrestling after a brief stint with WWE. This decision comes amid mixed reactions, as Steveson navigates the complexities of his career and the expectations of fans.
Key Takeaways
- Gable Steveson is returning to NCAA wrestling after being released from WWE.
- His ambitions to compete in collegiate wrestling were previously thwarted by WWE’s restrictions.
- Steveson aims to secure a third NCAA Heavyweight Championship, joining an elite group of wrestlers.
- Despite mixed reactions from professional wrestling fans, he remains a celebrated figure in the NCAA community.
- Bo Nickal, a rising UFC star, has called for Steveson to consider a transition to MMA.
Gable Steveson has always been a figure of excellence in wrestling, known for his dominance on the mat and his Olympic achievements. However, his journey took an unexpected turn when he signed with WWE, where he faced limitations that hindered his return to collegiate wrestling. After two seasons of yearning to compete again, Steveson is now free from WWE’s constraints and is set to embrace his final NCAA season with the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers.
Steveson’s aspirations included a dramatic return to the NCAA, complete with a storyline inspired by his time in professional wrestling. He envisioned a masked entrance that would captivate fans and showcase his dual prowess in both sports. Unfortunately, WWE’s refusal to allow him to compete left him frustrated, as he described the situation as being due to "circumstances beyond his control."
The Road Ahead
- Final NCAA Season: Steveson is determined to make the most of his last year in college wrestling.
- Championship Goals: He aims to win a third NCAA Heavyweight Championship, a feat achieved by only a select few.
- Rivalry with Iowa: His return reignites a fierce rivalry with the University of Iowa, a program he once considered joining.
Despite the backlash from some professional wrestling fans, Steveson remains a beloved figure in the NCAA wrestling community. His matches are expected to draw significant crowds, eager to witness his journey and potential historic achievements. Wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer noted that while Steveson may not be popular among pro wrestling fans, he enjoys a strong following in the amateur wrestling world.
The MMA Perspective
In a related development, Bo Nickal, a three-time NCAA Division I National Champion and rising star in the UFC, has expressed his desire to see elite collegiate wrestlers like Steveson transition into mixed martial arts. Nickal believes that American collegiate wrestling could significantly impact the MMA landscape, and he sees Steveson as a key player in this potential shift.
Nickal stated, "I would love to see as many high-level wrestlers as possible transition over to MMA. The last decade or so, we really haven’t had the best collegiate wrestlers move into MMA… guys like Gable Steveson, it would be amazing to see him transition over."
As Steveson prepares for his final NCAA season, he also has the opportunity to explore the world of MMA, especially after training with notable fighters like Jon Jones. With one year of eligibility left, Steveson has much to prove, not only to his critics but also to himself as he aims to solidify his legacy in the sport of wrestling and beyond.
