Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Gable Steveson

Discover the career path of Gable Steveson, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Gable Steveson is an accomplished American wrestler and MMA fighter. He achieved significant success in freestyle wrestling, winning a gold medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics and multiple age-group world championships. In folkstyle wrestling, representing the University of Minnesota, Steveson earned two Dan Hodge Trophies, two NCAA Division I national titles, and four Big Ten Conference championships, along with five All-American honors. He transitioned to professional mixed martial arts, debuting at LFA 217 on September 12, 2025.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2014: MSHSL State Finals

In 2014, at 13 years old, Gable Steveson entered the MSHSL state finals with a 39-2 record, ultimately claiming second place.

2018: Greco-Roman World finalist

In 2018, Gable Steveson dismantled Adam Coon, 2018 Greco-Roman World finalist

2018: US Open Nationals and World Team Trials

In 2018, Gable Steveson placed fourth at the US Open Nationals and the US World Team Trials in April and May respectively.

May 2019: US World Team Trials Challenge

In May 2019, Gable Steveson became a Final X contestant after running through the US World Team Trials Challenge.

August 2019: International Senior Debut

In August 2019, Gable Steveson made his international senior debut at the Alexander Medved Prizes, where he placed second.

November 2019: Bill Farrell Memorial International Gold Medal

In November 2019, Gable Steveson won a gold medal at the Bill Farrell Memorial International, qualifying for the 2020 US Olympic Team Trials.

2019: NCAA Division I National Championships

At the 2019 NCAA Division I National Championships, Gable Steveson reached the semifinals and ultimately claimed third place, earning All-American status.

2019: Pan American Games Gold

Prior to the Olympics, on May 30, 2019, Gable Steveson warmed up at the Pan American Continental Championships where he dominated his opponents.

September 17, 2020: Beat The Streets Event Victory

On September 17, 2020, Gable Steveson competed at the annual Beat The Streets event, defeating Trent Hillger by technical fall.

2020: US Olympic Team Trials Victory

From April 2 to 3, 2020 (rescheduled), Gable Steveson won the US Olympic Team Trials, qualifying him to represent the United States at the Summer Olympic Games.

2020: FloWrestling: RTC Cup

From December 4 to 5, 2020, Gable Steveson represented the Gopher WC at 125 kilograms in the FloWrestling: RTC Cup, where he defeated Nick Gwiazdowski and Jordan Wood.

2020: Qualification for the 2020 US Olympic Team Trials

In November 2019, Gable Steveson won a gold medal at the Bill Farrell Memorial International, qualifying for the 2020 US Olympic Team Trials.

2020: Desire to Join WWE

In late 2020, Gable Steveson expressed his desire to pursue a career in WWE as a professional wrestler.

2020: Summer Olympic Games Gold Medal

On August 5, 2020, Gable Steveson won the gold medal at the Summer Olympic Games in the men's freestyle 125 kg event, defeating Geno Petriashvili in a dramatic final.

August 15, 2021: Rejection of World Championships Bid

On August 15, 2021, Gable Steveson declined the automatic bid to represent the United States at the 2021 World Championships, choosing to pursue other opportunities.

August 2021: WWE SummerSlam Appearance

In August 2021, Gable Steveson made a brief appearance at WWE's SummerSlam.

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August 21, 2021: WWE SummerSlam Appearance

On August 21, 2021, Gable Steveson made a brief appearance at WWE's SummerSlam event.

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September 2021: Return to College Wrestling with NIL Deal

In September 2021, it was announced that Gable Steveson would return to college wrestling under a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deal, despite signing with WWE.

October 22, 2021: Drafted to Raw brand

On October 22, 2021, Gable Steveson was drafted to the Raw brand as part of the 2021 WWE Draft.

2021: NIL Deal with Dave Martin

Prior to the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, Gable Steveson signed a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) marketing deal with MMA manager Dave Martin.

2022: NCAA Division I National Championships Victory

At the 2022 NCAA Division I National Championships, Gable Steveson won the tournament and left his shoes on the mat as a sign of respect, signaling his retirement from amateur wrestling.

2023: US Open Wrestling Championships and Final X

In 2023, Gable Steveson won the US Open Wrestling Championships and Final X, earning the right to represent the United States at the 2023 World Wrestling Championships, but later decided not to compete.

January 5, 2024: SmackDown Return and Victory

On January 5, 2024, Gable Steveson returned to WWE, defeating Cedric Alexander in a dark match at SmackDown: New Year's Revolution.

May 2024: Signing with the Buffalo Bills

In May 2024, Gable Steveson signed with the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL).

May 2024: Release from WWE

In May 2024, Gable Steveson was released from WWE after a short stint, which included only one televised match that was poorly received.

May 31, 2024: Signed with Buffalo Bills

On May 31, 2024, it was reported that Gable Steveson had signed a three-year deal with the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League and would play defensive line.

2024: Return to Wrestling for University of Minnesota

Gable Steveson returned to wrestling for the University of Minnesota in 2024.

March 9, 2025: Four-Time Big Ten Heavyweight Champion

On March 9, 2025, Gable Steveson became the first four-time Big Ten heavyweight champion, defeating Greg Kerkvliet. He was also named the most outstanding wrestler of the tournament.

August 31, 2025: Scheduled Submission Grappling Debut

Gable Steveson was scheduled to make his submission grappling debut against Craig Jones in a superfight at the Craig Jones Invitational 2 on August 31, 2025.