Since 2021, Gable Steveson has been with WWE under its Next In Line (NIL) program, but he has yet to become a full-time talent for the company. He stepped away in 2022 to treat Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, and, more recently registered for USA Wrestling’s U.S. Open with the goal of competing at the 2024 Olympics.
Providing an update on his in-ring future, in an interview with KSTP, the 2020 Olympic Gold Medalist said he is pleased with his training to become a pro wrestler (h/t Fightful for transcription).
“I want to go out there on tv. I want to be the person people thought I was and I don’t want any doubt in my mind that I’m not. I’m getting the hang of doing everything the correct way – landing right, match psychology, everything in between. I’m flourishing and hopefully they see it, too. I’m excited because people haven’t really seen the real Gable because amateur wrestling kind of shelves a portion because we’re used to guys being disciplined,” he said.
Steveson also said WWE approved a few tournaments he can pursue, but not yet the 2024 Olympics.
“They’ve approved the fact that I can chase a couple tournaments,” Steveson said. “I think time will tell the Olympics story. Who knows because it’s a year away but I think we’re in good strides to make that progression.”
Steveson signed with WWE as its first NIL recruit in a program that offered college athletes the opportunity to pursue a career as a full-time pro wrestler. He followed that up with an appearance at WrestleMania 38, to suplex Chad Gable and work with the Street Profits. And on December 9, 2022, in Pittsburgh, he helped Kurt Angle fend off the Alpha Academy at Angle’s Birthday Bash on SmackDown.
While Steveson has more amateur wrestling ahead, he is only 22 years old and holds a bright future with WWE. Whenever he becomes a full-time talent, it will be interesting to see how he transitions as other former Olympians have.