Backstage Update On Gable Steveson's WWE Development Progress
Former Olympian is yet to go full-time with WWE despite recent NXT appearances.
Gable Steveson is reportedly making good progress behind the scenes in WWE, with the former Olympic wrestler now exceeding developmental expectations.
Dave Meltzer reported as much on Wrestling Observer Radio. Steveson is allegedly "picking things up" as a professional wrestler, creating the belief that "he's gonna be better than a lot of people originally thought."
Steveson made history by becoming the first athlete to be signed to WWE's NIL scheme (allowing wrestlers to retain their name, image, and likeness rights) in September 2021. This preceded a brief appearance at the following month's SummerSlam premium live event.
Drafted to Raw that October, Steveson has largely been inactive on WWE television ever since, though he has recently appeared on NXT as Eddy Thorpe's trainer for an upcoming match with Damon Kemp - Steveson's real-life brother.
A decorated amateur wrestler, Steveson is best known for winning the gold medal in 125kg men's freestyle wrestling at the 2020 Olympic Games. Despite signing for WWE, Gable has since returned to freestyle competition, entering a dominant performance at this year's US Open Wrestling Championship.
Steveson has claimed he hopes to compete at the 2024 Olympic Games, noting, however, that WWE is yet to greenlight this.