WWE Blocks Gable Steveson From Amateur Wrestling Return

Gable Steveson won't be returning to amateur wrestling.

Speaking on X (FKA Twitter), Minnesota Gophers Head Coach Brandon Eggum revealed that WWE had blocked Steveson's return to NCAA competition as the company want him to be solely focused on professional wrestling. 

"Also, quick update on Gable Steveson. Unfortunately, he will not be able to compete for us this season. He is a great competitor. He's always wanted to compete for the University of Minnesota. But ultimately, the WWE would prefer that he's solely focused on his professional wrestling career at this time. So whenever he's not at the WWE Performance Center down in Florida, he's up here in our realm working with our heavyweights which is awesome. We just can't thank him enough for the impact he's had on our programme. We've loved following him and watching him compete on the mat, he's amazing and now we're excited to watch him in his WWE career so, thank you Gable Steveson from our programme and from all the Gopher fans across the country and the world and we look forward to watching you in your career here moving forward," Eggum said.

Steveson previously won national titles for the Minnesota Gophers in 2021 and 2022 before announcing his retirement from NCAA competition. It emerged last year that he wanted to return to amateur wrestling in 2024 but those plans have been scrapped. 

Steveson has been a part of WWE since 2021 and made his in-ring debut in a disastrous match with Baron Corbin at Great American Bash 2023. Steveson has worked a number of NXT house show matches since then and he was featured in a dark match ahead of SmackDown last week. The Olympic gold medallist has been booked for several upcoming SmackDown tapings. 

H/T POST Wrestling