started · updated
Gable Steveson was slated for a major WWE push
WWE originally intended to provide Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson with a high-profile career trajectory similar to Brock Lesnar’s debut, according to reports from Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio.
Initial plans included featuring Steveson in prominent matches, potentially at WrestleMania, shortly after his arrival. However, the promotion reportedly scaled back these ambitions as Steveson struggled to meet internal benchmarks for in-ring progression, charisma, and promotional skills. Despite working matches with performers like Trevor Lee, his development was noted as slower than that of Bron Breakker and his brother, Bobby Steveson.
Internal concerns also arose regarding Steveson’s compensation. The company reportedly questioned the justification of paying him a main-roster salary when his progress did not align with that level of pay, as opposed to a standard NXT contract. Steveson was ultimately released by WWE in early 2024.
Entities
Brock Lesnar · Bron Breakker · Dave Meltzer · Gable Steveson · WWE
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] WWE questioned the justification of paying Steveson a main-roster salary instead of an NXT contract due to his lack of progress. rajah.com · wrestlingnewsreport.com · khelnow.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Steveson struggled with charisma and microphone skills during his tenure. rajah.com · wrestlingnewsreport.com · khelnow.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] WWE initially intended to give Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson a high-profile push similar to Brock Lesnar. rajah.com · wrestlingnewsreport.com · khelnow.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Steveson's development pace was noted as slower than that of Bron Breakker and his brother, Bobby Steveson. rajah.com · wrestlingnewsreport.com · khelnow.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] WWE released Steveson in early 2024. rajah.com · wrestlingnewsreport.com · khelnow.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The company planned to feature Steveson at WrestleMania shortly after his debut. rajah.com · wrestlingnewsreport.com · khelnow.com