Gable Stevenson Removes From WWE NXT Roster

Gable Steveson, the Olympic Gold Medalist and former standout collegiate wrestler, has found himself in the midst of a surprising twist in his WWE journey. Reports from the Wrestling Observer suggest that Steveson has been “officially removed from the NXT roster,” leaving fans and wrestling enthusiasts speculating about his future in the world of professional wrestling.

Steveson’s Path to WWE

Steveson’s rise to WWE stardom was nothing short of remarkable. After his impressive performance at the rescheduled 2020 Olympic Games, where he clinched a gold medal, WWE took notice of his potential. Soon after, he made his intentions clear by appearing at WWE SummerSlam in 2021. However, he took a unique path to WWE, signing a contract that allowed him to return to college to finish his amateur wrestling career before transitioning to WWE full-time.

Mixed reception in WWE NXT

In the summer of 2023, Steveson made his presence felt in WWE NXT, engaging in a feud with Baron Corbin. Their clash at NXT The Great American Bash in July ended in a no-contest, but what stood out was the crowd’s reaction. Steveson was met with boos and chants of “You’re not Angle!—a reference to another Olympic Gold Medalist, Kurt Angle, who had a successful career in WWE. This lukewarm reception raised questions about Steveson’s ability to connect with the NXT audience.

The Uncertain Future

Since his match at The Great American Bash, Steveson has been notably absent from WWE programming, leaving many wondering about his next move. The Wrestling Observer’s report of his removal from the NXT roster has added a layer of intrigue to the situation.

What’s next for Gable Steveson?

Steveson’s future in the WWE remains uncertain. There are a few potential scenarios to consider:

1. Fast-Tracking to the Main Roster: Some wrestlers, like Elias, have found more success when transitioning directly to Monday Night Raw or SmackDown rather than spending extensive time in NXT. WWE might decide to fast-track Steveson to the main roster if they believe he’s better suited for that environment.

2. Short Squash Matches: WWE could opt for a strategy of having Steveson compete in short squash matches on TV to build his character and in-ring skills gradually before diving into longer feuds.

3. Departure from WWE: Steveson’s slow progress and the lukewarm response to his debut match could lead to the possibility of him parting ways with WWE. His departure could open up opportunities elsewhere in the wrestling world, or even a return to amateur wrestling.

Intriguing Times Ahead

As fans await further developments, it’s clear that Gable Steveson’s journey in WWE is entering a fascinating chapter. Whether he rises to become a major WWE star, transitions elsewhere in the wrestling world, or returns to his amateur wrestling roots, one thing is certain: the wrestling world will be watching closely to see what’s next for the Olympic Gold Medalist.