In 2022, all eyes were on Gable Steveson as he made the transition from Olympic glory to the grand stage of WWE, debuting at WrestleMania 38 amidst high expectations. Steveson, celebrated for his achievements in amateur wrestling, brought a wave of excitement and anticipation to the WWE Universe. Chad Gable, himself an Olympian with a decorated wrestling background, provided insights into working with Steveson during his brief tenure in WWE.
Gable, known for his technical prowess and experience in both amateur and professional wrestling, highlighted Steveson’s impressive athleticism and quick adaptation to the unique demands of sports entertainment. Their collaboration in WWE showcased a blend of Gable’s seasoned guidance and Steveson’s natural talent, promising an exciting future for the young wrestler in WWE.
Steveson’s debut at WrestleMania 38 marked a significant moment not only for him but also for the wrestling world, as fans eagerly anticipated how he would transition from the amateur ranks to WWE’s highly competitive landscape. With Gable’s mentorship and Steveson’s determination, their partnership offered a glimpse into the potential success and impact Steveson could achieve in WWE and beyond.
Speaking on the “Cheap Heat” podcast, Gable discussed the dynamics of Steveson’s debut, acknowledging the immense pressure and scrutiny that came with it.
“I was imagining myself in his shoes almost thinking like, ‘I wouldn’t want to be you right now,'” Gable recalled. “There’s so much hype surrounding you and you haven’t even started training yet. This is your debut, it’s on WrestleMania, which you want, everybody kind of wants that, but man you better deliver because this is their first look at you.”
Despite the fanfare surrounding Steveson’s arrival, his WWE journey was short-lived, with the company releasing him from his contract in May 2024. Reflecting on this development, Gable expressed understanding, noting the stark differences between amateur wrestling and the demands of professional wrestling.
“Amateur wrestlers are trained to do almost the complete opposite of what we’re supposed to do here in WWE,” Gable explained. “You’ve got to show emotion, you’ve got to show vulnerability, and it’s not to say that he didn’t have that, but sometimes guys just don’t want to do that, or they’re not willing to, or it’s not natural.”
Gable, however, remained optimistic about Steveson’s future, emphasizing his unwavering athleticism and potential in other arenas beyond WWE.
“He’s an athlete through and through … potentially one of the best heavyweights, maybe the best heavyweight this country has ever had, so he’s going to be fine whatever he chooses to do,” Gable affirmed.
Gable’s perspective offers a glimpse into the complexities of transitioning from amateur wrestling to sports entertainment, highlighting the challenges and realities faced by athletes pursuing different paths within the wrestling industry.
