Gable Steveson, the Olympic gold medalist and two-time NCAA heavyweight champion, has always thrived on defying the odds. Known for his unparalleled dominance on the mat, the University of Minnesota star’s career has oscillated between collegiate wrestling and the glittering stage of professional wrestling. But after a turbulent stint with WWE and dashed ambitions of becoming an NFL star, Steveson’s return to NCAA wrestling has become the latest chapter in his storied career. And what a return it was! Shutting down critics with an 18-3 tech fall victory, he has truly left fans buzzing.

However, the road to his triumphant victory was studded with debacles and controversies. Since clinching his second NCAA title in 2022, Steveson has attempted to transition into WWE, dreaming of blending his Olympic pedigree with pro wrestling theatrics. Yet, his tenure in WWE proved disappointing. Fans’ reception and lacklusterness plagued his WWE venture. His aspirations of transferring to the University of Iowa for collegiate wrestling were also thwarted when WWE denied him permission. 

Eventually, finally being released from his contract, Gable got the opportunity to make another career call. Many expected Steveson to take his talents to the UFC, where fighters like Jon Jones praised his “scary” potential. However, instead, the 24-year-old shocked everyone by choosing to return to the NCAA mat for one final run. But, in the wrestling realm too, Steveson’s comeback was greeted with mixed reactions. 

Critics began to question his motivations and timing, labeling it a step backward. The backlash only intensified after his opening bout against Drew Blackburn-Forst of North Dakota State University. Steveson secured an emphatic victory in just 1:50, but detractors pointed to the mismatch in experience, calling his return unfair to less-seasoned opponents. Fans started to pose a question. The question is, why would a seasoned Olympic champion like Steveson face someone so inexperienced?

Yet Steveson’s response came where it mattered most—on the mat. Facing mounting pressure, he reminded the world why he’s considered one of the greatest wrestlers of his generation. While amid all the debates, UFC heavyweight champ Jon Jones and NCAA wrestling icon Bo Nickal put their faith in Steveson, he did not take long to prove their words right. In a dominant performance, Steveson’s skills shone through, silencing trolls who doubted his abilities. His fans, who once questioned his motives, began rallying behind him, recognizing his unmatched determination to etch his name in history.

However, the pages of Steveson’s story had turned yet again. After defeating Drew Blackburn-Forst with ease and poise, fans have resorted to showering praise on the wrestler’s comeback, turning away from the criticisms. And the comment section of a Reddit post proved it well!

Going against the tide of trolls, Gable Steveson receives love from fans 

Highlighting the contrasting emotions around Gable Steveson’s NCAA return, one fan wrote, “He’s truly a first rate talent.” While praising his extraordinary talent, the remark also reflects a sense of discomfort, likening Steveson’s comeback to someone reliving past glories instead of moving forward. The fan added, “…there was also a weird sense of watching that one guy who graduated high school and now sits at the end of the bar in his letterman jacket.” Despite his dominance, some perceive his return as unnecessary, given his Olympic and professional achievements, akin to an athlete clinging to a bygone era. However, many believe that he is yet to do justice to his talent on the NCAA grounds.

One fan tracked back and addressed criticism of Gable Steveson’s NCAA return by highlighting misconceptions about his age. The user shared that despite his fame and mature appearance, Steveson, at 24, is younger than many active collegiate wrestlers, such as Daton Fix and Vito Arujau when they competed. The user’s comment read, “It’s because he’s such a big name and he looks older than he is, people need to relax. He’s the same age as Brock Hardy, who still has two years left (I think). He could have come back NEXT YEAR, and would still be younger than Fix was when he finally graduated. He’s also younger than Vito was last year.” Providing such a perspective, the fan tried to defend and take a stand for Steveson’s comeback. They also stated how his age aligns with NCAA norms and dismisses claims of unfairness.

Another comment went, “Well he certainly didn’t slow down.” It highlighted Gable Steveson’s dominant performance in his NCAA return, despite being away from collegiate wrestling for 979 days. It acknowledges his ability to maintain his elite skill level, as evidenced by his swift 18-3 tech fall victory over Drew Blackburn-Forst. 

Gable Steveson’s unique combination of agility, speed, and power that sets him apart from his competitors. Despite competing as a heavyweight, Steveson’s movements resemble those of lighter weight classes, where speed and precision are paramount. And the same was highlighted by one Reddit user’s comment. They wrote, “Dude looks like a lightweight that’s levels above the competition wrestling in a heavyweight body out there. Fast.”

Reflecting confidence in Steveson’s dominance and skill level, another Reddit user wrote, “Gable will walk through the ncaa tournament.” Given his Olympic gold medal, two NCAA heavyweight titles, and recent emphatic victory over NDSU’s Drew Blackburn-Forst, the fan believes Steveson’s superior experience and technique will make him unbeatable in the collegiate wrestling circuit, even after his long hiatus.

The Gophers legend is now eyeing an elusive third NCAA heavyweight title, a feat that would place him in the elite company of Earl McCready and Dick Hutton. For Steveson, this journey is about more than accolades. Rather, it’s more about reclaiming his legacy. And with the bold win against Blackburn-Forst, Gable Steveson has made one thing clear. He’s back. And this time, nothing will slow him down.