This former WWE star was planned for Brock Lesnar-level push - Report
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The Stamford-based promotion had big plans for Gable Steveson.
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Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson signed with WWE in 2021. While Steveson made multiple appearances, even at PLEs like WrestleMania 38 and SummerSlam 2021, the majority of his in-ring appearances came during dark matches.
Steveson has only participated in a single match on WWE programming against Baron Corbin at NXT’s The Great American Bash 2023. The match ended in a double count-out. In May 2024, Steveson was on the list of releases, which ended his pro-wrestling career as he transitioned into the NFL.
Now, Dave Meltzer on the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio revealed what plans the promotion had for the Olympian.
WWE had very ambitious plans for Gable Steveson
Per Meltzer, the promotion originally had ambitious plans for Steveson, envisioning a push for him similar to Brock Lesnar’s early run with the company.
Meltzer stated that WWE had hoped to feature Steveson at WrestleMania soon after his arrival, but those plans changed as he failed to develop quickly enough for the promotion to feel confident placing him in such a prominent position.
He also explained that the promotion could have booked Steveson in a short match against someone such as Chad Gable, but the company lacked confidence in showcasing him on a major stage. He also claimed that Steveson struggled with promos and charisma and did not progress as quickly in the ring as expected.
This remained the case despite Steveson working several matches with Trevor Lee, who is regarded as an accomplished performer.
Furthermore, the report compared Steveson’s development with that of his brother Bobby Steveson and Bron Breakker, with Meltzer suggesting that the Olympian did not reach the level the company expected from him. Meltzer also claimed that the promotion eventually questioned whether it could justify Steveson’s salary, which was closer to main-roster pay than an NXT contract.
Gable Steveson is currently in the UFC
After a failed stint in the NFL, Steveson transitioned into MMA and was signed to the UFC after three professional fights in regional promotions. Steveson secured a major win in his debut, finishing his opponent in the very first round to announce his arrival on the biggest stage in MMA.
However, Steveson suffered his first professional loss in devastating fashion last weekend at UFC 331 when he was knocked out cold by Sean Shraff in 12 seconds in the very first round. Gable’s conduct after the loss became a hot topic of debate among fans after the fight, while the sexual allegations surrounding him have also been discussed.
What were WWE’s plans for Gable Steveson?
Per Meltzer, the promotion originally had ambitious plans for Steveson, envisioning a push for him similar to Brock Lesnar’s early run with the company.
Where is Gable Steveson now?
After a failed stint in the NFL, Steveson transitioned into MMA and was signed to the UFC after three professional fights in regional promotions.
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