Baron Corbin Addresses Fans Rejecting Gable Steveson At WWE NXT Great American Bash

Gable Steveson's WWE in-ring debut didn't exactly go to plan at NXT Great American Bash on July 30 when the Olympic gold medallist faced Baron Corbin in singles action. Corbin has been a detestable heel throughout his WWE run but such was the dislike for Steveson in Cedar Park, Texas that fans booed Steveson whenever he was on offence and cheered for Corbin when he fired back. There were even chants of "You're not Angle" at Steveson, with more boos erupting after the match ended in a double count-out. 

Speaking with Haus of Wrestling, Corbin revealed he thought he could turn the crowd back to cheering for Steveson but he ultimately gave up and decided to just let the audience "have fun." 

"You know, it was wild when my music hit, and I got new music. And I think because a lot of people wanted that, for me, a lot of people wanted the new music, they wanted the new character. A lot of people who are here seeing what I do are tied all the way back to the Lone Wolf. They want to see that again, and they're gonna get that attitude for sure. It's just going to be presented how I would present it," Corbin stated.

"And when my music hit, I got that kind of 50/50-like, we're booing you because we boo you but also got like a good cheer, but by the time the match had started, it was 100% for me, and 100% not into what he was doing. I thought I had a chance to be able to turn it back the other way, and I just got to the point it was like, I can't fight it. I mean, otherwise, they're just gonna hate this. So let's just go and let them have fun, and they were definitely behind me; it was awesome."

Steveson hasn't appeared on WWE TV since the Great American Bash despite the finish appearing to set up a rematch. Instead, "all is quiet" and "nobody is talking" about Steveson within WWE.