Gable Dan Steveson, born on May 31, 2000, in Portage, Indiana, has rapidly ascended the ranks of American athletics, distinguishing himself in wrestling, professional wrestling, and football. Named after the legendary wrestler Dan Gable, Steveson’s early immersion in the sport set the stage for a career marked by remarkable achievements and bold transitions.
Early Life and High School Wrestling
Dominance Steveson started wrestling in his hometown, following the lead of his older brothers. At age 13, he moved with his family to Apple Valley, Minnesota, where he enrolled in Apple Valley High School-a decision that would prove fateful. In high school, Steveson ran up an incredible 171-match winning streak and captured four state titles.
Dominating on the mat, he got the Junior Schalles Award as best high school pinner in 2017 and recipient of the Junior Hodge Trophy for 2018-regarded to be the top recruit in the nation.
Collegiate Wrestling Excellence
Staying close to the nest, it seemed, could not hurt Stevenson, who settled on the University of Minnesota. He excelled for those Golden Gophers, a career that included two recognitions as one of the United States’ more accomplished wrestlers: once as a division one NCAA National Champion along with three occasions as a Champion of theBig Ten Conference.
His whole collegiate career led to an 85-2 result, with about half of those successful matches coming hand in hand toward the end or in a group of 52 straight victories following his losses altogether. In 2022, a year after joining the WWE while still competing in college, wrestling’s version of the Heisman Trophy, a.k.a Dan Hodge presented Steveson with the trophy for being deemed the nation’s most outstanding. Tokyo 2020: Olympic Glory
Foraying into Professional Wrestling with WWE
In September 2021, Steveson inked an NIL deal with WWE that allowed him to remain a collegiate wrestler while he trained to be a pro. He made his first WWE appearance at SummerSlam this past August, and was drafted to the Raw brand last month. The experiment ended up brief since, following one pay-per-view match and, at best, lackluster attention, WWE pulled the plug and released him in May 2024. Recalling his reasons then, Steveson said, “It was just not the time for it. maybe one day if the stars align, it’ll be a great opportunity to do it again.”
Transition to the NFL with the Buffalo Bills
Showing off his athletic diversity, Steveson has tried his hand at professional football, inking a three-year deal with the Buffalo Bills in May 2024 despite never having played football. He took part in preseason games, tackling and pressuring the quarterback. The learning curve was steep as he adjusted to the NFL, and he was cut from the Bills in August 2024. Steveson remained positive, stating that other teams have reached out and leaving the door open for football in the future.
Return to Amateur Wrestling and Future Plans
In November 2024, Steveson announced his return to the University of Minnesota for a fifth season of eligibility to further cement his legacy in collegiate wrestling. His decision was met with excitement from the university community and fans alike. Meanwhile, Steveson showed interest in venturing into Mixed Martial Arts, inspired by training sessions with UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones. A viral video of Jones barely missing Steveson with a flying knee during training sparked his interest in the sport. Steveson said, “Being with Jon was definitely an honor. it definitely gave me that fire back.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Gable Steveson
Which are the major wrestling titles/ achievements of Gable Steveson?
Gable Steveson is a two-time NCAA Division I National Champion, three-time Big Ten Conference Champion, and a 2020 Tokyo Olympic gold medalist in free-style wrestling.
Did Gable Steveson wrestle in WWE?
Yes, Steveson signed in September 2021 with WWE. He briefly surfaced at SummerSlam. His stint was very temporary, however, and he went on to receive his release from the company last May after one televised match.
Has Gable Steveson ever played professional football?
Steveson signed a contract with the Buffalo Bills in May 2024 as a defensive lineman with zero experience in playing football.
Is Gable Steveson returning to collegiate wrestling?
Yes, Steveson in November 2024 announced his return to the University of Minnesota for his fifth season of eligibility.
Gable Steveson: A Future in MMA?
Steveson has expressed interest in pursuing MMA, inspired by training sessions with UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones.
Why did Gable Steveson leave WWE?
Steveson said he moved on due to timing, adding, “It was just not the time for it. maybe one day if the stars align, it’ll be a great opportunity to do it again.”
What was Gable Steveson’s collegiate wrestling record?
Steveson, a senior, is 85-2 in his collegiate wrestling career and has won 52 consecutive matches.