The departure of Gable Steveson from WWE in April 2024 sent shockwaves through the wrestling world, leaving fans and pundits alike pondering what could have been. Despite arriving with much fanfare as an Olympic gold medalist in 2021, Steveson’s tenure in WWE failed to live up to the lofty expectations set upon him.
WWE Hall of Famer Booker T, speaking on his “Hall of Fame” podcast, offered his insights into Steveson’s departure, shedding light on the talented wrestler’s struggles to fully commit to his WWE journey. While acknowledging Steveson’s undeniable physical prowess and potential, Booker highlighted a crucial element that seemed to be missing: the drive to succeed.
“He had the look, he had everything,” Booker remarked. “He had all of that man, and for it not to pan out, I think it was him not really…buying all in. Not really saying, ‘I’m really going to throw everything into doing this and being the best at it. One foot in the door and one foot out, let’s just say that.”
Booker’s assessment suggests that Steveson may have been grappling with competing priorities, with his passion for amateur wrestling lingering in the background. Despite the potential for success within WWE, Steveson’s inability to fully commit may have hindered his progress in the company.
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Reflecting on Steveson’s tumultuous reception from fans during his time on “NXT,” particularly at the 2023 Great American Bash event, Booker acknowledged the challenges Steveson faced both inside and outside the ring. The negative reaction from some fans, fueled by controversies surrounding Steveson’s past, likely added to the complexity of his WWE journey.
Ultimately, Steveson’s departure serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of professional wrestling careers, where talent alone is not always sufficient to guarantee success. As Steveson moves forward, the wrestling world awaits his next chapter with anticipation, while WWE continues to navigate the ever-changing landscape of talent acquisition and development.
