Gable Steveson understands that victories aren`t guaranteed.
The Olympic wrestling champion experienced a surprising defeat at the 2025 NCAA Division I Wrestling National Championships on Saturday. However, he is not dwelling on the loss, recognizing that setbacks are part of sports. Steveson, who was expected to easily win his third National Title for the University of Minnesota, was defeated by Wyatt Hendrickson of Oklahoma State with a score of 5-4 after conceding a late takedown.
This was the first time Steveson had been taken down all season.
“First, thank you Gopher Wrestling,” Steveson shared on Instagram. “From an 18-year-old to 24 (or 30, according to some jokes), when I left in 2022, I always felt the urge to return and give it one last shot. I`m happy I came back and brought recognition to the University! We had an incredible run, and I don’t regret staying home to represent my city again and again!”
“Setbacks happen, that`s the unpredictable nature of sports! But we thrive on these moments, and I am okay!! Ultimately, wins and losses won`t define my impact on wrestling. Attracting fans, boosting viewership, and delivering entertainment were always my priorities when I competed. To give wrestling the spotlight it deserves.”
Steveson returned to college for his final year of eligibility after winning his Olympic gold medal at the 2020 games. Following the Olympics, he signed a lucrative contract with WWE.
Unfortunately, professional wrestling didn`t pan out for Steveson, and he was eventually released. He then tried his hand at football, despite lacking prior experience. He signed with the Buffalo Bills and participated in the 2024 training camp but did not make the final roster.
Although he received interest for a practice squad spot, Steveson chose to return to wrestling at Minnesota for one last season.
He remained undefeated throughout the season and won another Big 10 title before competing in the NCAA tournament. There, he dominated until his match with Hendrickson, an Air Force lieutenant who transferred to Oklahoma State for his final year of eligibility, which wasn`t available at service academies.
“To my supporters, I appreciate all the love during my collegiate wrestling journey,” Steveson said. “From skipping warmups to staying late after every event to talk to everyone, it was definitely worth the time!”
“To all the doubters and critics this year… Regardless of your opinion… YOU STILL WATCHED, and I thank you for that too.”
Steveson didn`t directly mention his future plans but previously told MMA Fighting about his intention to pursue a second gold medal at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. He missed the 2024 games due to his WWE contract, and the United States men’s freestyle team did not win a single gold medal for the first time in 56 years.
In addition to his wrestling ambitions, Steveson has openly discussed transitioning to MMA, especially after developing a connection with UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones while assisting Jones` training camp for a fight against Stipe Miocic last November.
