Gable Steveson has been putting in work recently in helping Jon Jones train for his UFC return, but the former Olympic gold medalist made his own return this week by stepping on the NCAA mat for the first time in 979 days.
As you may know, Steveson is one of the best college wrestlers in recent memory and entered a hot free agent market back in 2021. The Minnesota Gopher ended up signing with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), but was eventually released earlier this year after he couldn’t cut it in the promotion’s developmental program. In turn, Steveson started training mixed martial arts (MMA) alongside UFC legend Robbie Lawler in hopes of one day transitioning to the cage (and maybe winning a UFC title).
Steveson, who turned 24 this past May, recently returned to Minnesota to continue his amateur wrestling career. The decision was a bit controversial considering Steveson hasn’t competed since he won the National Championship back in 2022. At that time, Steveson left his wrestling shoes in the middle of the mat signaling his retirement from amateur wrestling. The talented heavyweight has since changed his mind and hit the college mats on Friday.
Check out the highlights below:
Gable Steveson first match back for Minnesota, college wrestling got more exciting today! pic.twitter.com/rrVC5gJ8jr
— SNL Wrestling (@WrestlingSNL) November 23, 2024
While there’s nothing technically wrong with Steveson returning to his roots to keep his skills sharp some fans are bothered by his choice to ragdoll lesser competition. Keep in mind, it took Steveson less than two minutes to easily defeat North Dakota State’s Drew Blackburn-Forst with a 18-3 tech fall in his return. It wasn’t even close.
After his performance on Friday, fans took to social media to comment on Steveson’s return and take some shots at the young combat athlete. Check out some of the reaction below:
“Gable needs to be in the UFC.”
“This is tough. He is obviously fun to watch but this feels like a backwards career move. Personally not a huge fan but he’ll win the Hodge again so there is that.”
“It’s sad. He left. Why is he back in the minors? He’s an Olympic And world champion. Now he’s back swilling beer on campus taking a spot in the lineup from an actual student.”
“Roids are great.”
“I didn’t make it 30 seconds until I got bored.”
“This is so fucking unfair lol, why’d he even come back”
“He’s to stupid to do anything else. Pro wrestling didn’t want him.”