This is the story of one of pro wrestling’s most infamous busts, and how a highly touted prospect went from Olympic glory to obscurity in just a few years. Let’s dive into the rollercoaster journey of Gable Steveson—a tale of missed opportunities, fan backlash, and WWE’s evolving recruitment strategy.

[HEADING=2]WWE’s Obsession with Legit Athletes[/HEADING]
WWE, being the largest and most recognizable wrestling promotion, is always on the lookout for fresh talent to mold into superstars. In recent years, the focus has shifted from bodybuilding giants to legitimate athletes—those with strong followings, athletic prowess, and the endurance to handle WWE’s grueling schedule.

To tap into this talent pool, WWE launched the [B]Next In Line (NIL)[/B] program, a talent pipeline that scouts collegiate and professional athletes. This initiative has seen some success, with stars like Bianca Belair and gold medalist Tamyra Mensah-Stock making a splash in the wrestling world. However, not all NIL recruits pan out as expected, and that brings us to Gable Steveson.

[HEADING=2]Enter Gable Steveson[/HEADING]
Fresh off his gold medal win at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Gable Steveson quickly caught WWE’s attention. They signed him to a deal and showcased him at [B]Summerslam 2021[/B], presenting him as one of the company’s next big stars. WWE had high hopes, even signing his brother Robert through the NIL program.

Fans immediately compared Steveson to wrestling legend Kurt Angle, another Olympic gold medalist who transitioned seamlessly into the wrestling world. But while Kurt Angle proved to be a natural, Gable Steveson’s journey would take a different turn.

[HEADING=2]A Rocky Start[/HEADING]
In October 2021, WWE announced that Steveson had been added to the [B]Raw[/B] roster—a huge move, considering he hadn’t wrestled a single televised match. Normally, new talent hones their craft in [B]NXT[/B], WWE’s developmental brand, before getting called up. Skipping this step raised eyebrows, but WWE was confident Steveson would deliver.

Months passed, and Steveson made little impact. His in-ring debut was delayed, and his only notable appearance came at [B]WrestleMania 38[/B], where he delivered a suplex to Chad Gable. After that, he disappeared again.

[HEADING=2]NXT Debut – The Great American Bash Disaster[/HEADING]
It wasn’t until June 2023 that Steveson finally debuted as an active wrestler in [B]NXT[/B]. He was paired with veteran Baron Corbin in a feud leading up to a match at the [B]Great American Bash[/B].

However, this match would prove disastrous. Corbin, who had struggled to connect with fans during his main roster run, was ironically the more popular of the two. During the match, fans began cheering for Corbin—a clear sign that Steveson’s debut wasn’t going as planned.

The six-minute match ended in a [B]double count-out[/B], and fans were unimpressed with Steveson’s lack of charisma and basic wrestling skills.

[HEADING=2]Backlash and Allegations[/HEADING]
Following his disappointing debut, things only got worse for Steveson. Wrestling legend [B]Booker T[/B], who serves as a commentator and trainer for NXT, publicly criticized him, stating that he wasn’t impressed by Steveson’s performance.

Meanwhile, [B]sexual assault allegations[/B] resurfaced against Steveson. The accusations, which he had never addressed publicly, further tarnished his reputation. The NXT audience turned against him, and his wrestling future became uncertain.

[HEADING=2]The End of the Experiment[/HEADING]
Steveson’s wrestling career quietly fizzled out. WWE kept him on untelevised live shows, but he never returned to TV. In March 2024, WWE officially released him.

[HEADING=2]Where Are They Now?[/HEADING]
[LIST]
[*][B]Gable Steveson[/B] briefly signed with the [B]Buffalo Bills[/B] in the NFL but was released in August 2024 without ever playing a game. His future in sports remains unclear.
[*][B]Baron Corbin[/B] found a new spark in NXT, teaming with Bron Breakker and enjoying a positive reception from fans. However, he was released from WWE later that year.
[*][B]Robert Steveson (Damon Kemp)[/B] had a more promising NXT career but was eventually released as well. Many believe he had more natural wrestling ability than his brother.
[*][B]WWE[/B] has since taken a more cautious approach with NIL recruits. Olympic gold medalist [B]Tamyra Mensah-Stock[/B] is still in developmental, receiving positive feedback from live audiences.
[/LIST]
[HEADING=2]Final Thoughts[/HEADING]
Gable Steveson’s story serves as a cautionary tale for WWE. While scouting top athletes has its benefits, pro wrestling requires more than just physical talent. Charisma, storytelling, and fan connection are crucial components that can’t be overlooked.

What started as a promising partnership between an Olympic hero and WWE ended as one of the biggest busts in recent wrestling history.