For years, Gable Steveson has been a name that commands respect, whether on the Olympic podium or under collegiate wrestling’s brightest lights. The 24-year-old University of Minnesota phenom, a two-time NCAA Heavyweight Champion and Olympic gold medalist, has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in amateur wrestling. Yet, his journey hasn’t been without detours. Steveson’s foray into professional wrestling under WWE promised excitement but left fans wondering if his unparalleled amateur career was over.

Steveson’s short stint with WWE was marked by unmet expectations and frustrations. Fans of both professional and amateur wrestling speculated about his next move as his appearances in the WWE ring dwindled. Now, with a surprising turn of events, Steveson is back where his roots run deepest: the NCAA wrestling mat. His return is both a personal triumph and a flashpoint for broader discussions about loyalty, ambition, and the complexities of modern sports careers.

A return years in the making

Steveson’s decision to return to collegiate wrestling was not made lightly. His passion for the sport never waned during his WWE tenure, but contractual constraints reportedly kept him from competing. Wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer revealed that Steveson had envisioned a dramatic NCAA comeback, complete with a pro-wrestling-inspired unmasking to wow audiences. WWE, however, reportedly denied his requests, leaving Steveson sidelined in a role that didn’t fulfill his competitive drive.

With those barriers now behind him, Steveson is seizing the opportunity to compete for the University of Minnesota one last time. This season, he aims to secure a third NCAA Heavyweight Championship, a feat that would place him in the pantheon of wrestling greats alongside legends like Dick Hutton and Earl McCready. For Steveson, it’s about more than titles-it’s a chance to reaffirm his place in the sport he loves.

Mixed reactions and unfinished business

Despite his accolades, Steveson’s return hasn’t been universally celebrated. Within the NCAA wrestling community, his presence is a draw, reigniting rivalries and bringing excitement to the mat. Yet, his time in WWE left some professional wrestling fans unimpressed, leading to mixed opinions about his broader legacy. Steveson himself acknowledges the challenges, calling the circumstances that delayed his NCAA return“beyond his control.”

Staying loyal to the University of Minnesota has also raised eyebrows. Steveson reportedly considered transferring to the University of Iowa, a wrestling powerhouse and Minnesota’s fierce rival, but ultimately chose to remain with the Golden Gophers. His decision underscores his loyalty but also sets the stage for a fiery season as his rivalry with Iowa intensifies.

As Steveson prepares for his NCAA swan song, other athletes are eyeing his potential in different arenas. UFC rising star and three-time NCAA champion Bo Nickal has publicly urged Steveson to consider transitioning to mixed martial arts. Speaking ahead of UFC 309, Nickal expressed his vision for a wrestling-driven revolution in MMA, calling for elite collegiate wrestlers like Steveson to join him in the octagon.

Nickal’s pitch is not without merit. Wrestling has long been a dominant force in MMA, and Steveson’s recent training sessions with UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones only add fuel to the speculation. Nickal believes Steveson’s entry into MMA could mark a new era for the sport, one where American collegiate wrestling takes center stage.

For now, Steveson’s focus remains on the mat. With one year of eligibility left, he’s determined to make the most of it, both for himself and for the fans who have followed his journey. Whether it’s adding another NCAA title to his resume or considering a future in MMA, Steveson’s story is far from over. The stage is set, the spotlight is on, and for Gable Steveson, the stakes have never been higher.