Gable Steveson, the Olympic gold medalist and former WWE talent, has recently clarified his intentions regarding a full-time return to amateur freestyle wrestling, specifically the so-called Real American Freestyle Wrestling scene. Despite his credentials and public admiration from wrestling fans worldwide, Steveson is not pursuing a career revival in the amateur freestyle domain, choosing instead to explore other athletic and career opportunities.
From Olympic Glory to WWE Spotlight
Gable Steveson first shot to international fame by capturing the gold medal in the men’s freestyle 125-kilogram category at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics. His stunning last-second takedown of Georgian powerhouse Geno Petriashvili electrified the wrestling community and cemented his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats[3][4]. Soon after, Steveson signed with WWE in September 2021, fulfilling a lifelong dream of entering the world of professional sports entertainment[1][5].
His WWE tenure began with high expectations: introduced by Stephanie McMahon at WrestleMania 38 in 2022 and featuring a marquee in-ring debut against Baron Corbin at NXT’s Great American Bash. Nevertheless, after a relatively brief run mostly spent in WWE’s developmental system and a short stint on NXT television, Steveson quietly stepped away from WWE in mid-2024[2].
Wrestling vs. Entertainment: Steveson’s Career Crossroads
It had been rumored that Steveson might return to compete in prestigious amateur freestyle events, including the 2023 World Championships, as United World Wrestling (UWW) even listed him as an entry for the 125 kg category[1]. However, this inclusion and speculation did not foreshadow a professional return to freestyle wrestling as a career path.
According to sources close to Steveson, the Olympic champion views his time in WWE as a “brief retirement” from pure wrestling to experience sports entertainment, rather than an abandonment of his roots or a full revival of competitive freestyle wrestling[1]. A WWE insider confided, “Gable’s passion for wrestling in all forms remains, but he’s focused on charting his unique path beyond the constraints of traditional amateur competition.”
What’s Next for Gable Steveson?
Post-WWE, Steveson has demonstrated an interest in grappling disciplines beyond standard freestyle wrestling rules. In 2025, he is set to enter submission grappling competition, going head-to-head with grappling star Craig Jones at the upcoming Craig Jones Invitational in Las Vegas[3]. This move highlights Steveson’s desire to diversify his athletic portfolio and test his skills in new combat sports fields.
Furthermore, Steveson returned to collegiate wrestling for the University of Minnesota in 2024 and continued to set historic marks. He became the first-ever four-time Big Ten heavyweight champion and the first five-time All-American in Minnesota’s storied wrestling history before finishing as a national runner-up at the 2025 NCAA Championships[4][5]. These accomplishments reinforce his standing as a wrestling legend who is still evolving his competitive pursuits.
Behind the Scenes: Industry Perspectives
According to a wrestling industry insider, “Gable’s decision to step away from Real American Freestyle Wrestling as a career was driven by his desire to forge a legacy that blends his Olympic-level wrestling skills with mainstream visibility. He’s aware that pure amateur wrestling doesn’t offer the global platform that entertainment or submission grappling can provide.”
The insider also noted that Steveson’s brief WWE tenure provided invaluable exposure and opportunities, but ultimately his vision extended beyond the squared circle of sports entertainment alone.
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Gable Steveson’s journey illustrates the complexity of career decisions faced by athletes who excel in niche sports but seek broader horizons. While his current focus is not on rejoining the Real American Freestyle Wrestling circuit, his legacy as an Olympic champion and multifaceted grappler continues to grow. Fans will watch closely as he carves out his next chapter in combat sports and entertainment.