Gable Steveson, the Olympic gold medalist in wrestling, is returning to the ring – but not in the way many initially expected. After a brief foray into professional wrestling with WWE and a short-lived attempt at a career in the NFL, Steveson has signed a multi-match deal with Real American Freestyle (RAF), a promotion founded by veteran wrestling personality Eric Bischoff. The move marks the latest chapter in a fascinating and, at times, unpredictable journey for the 24-year-old athlete.
The signing was announced on Wednesday, March 25, during an appearance on “The Ariel Helwani Show,” a popular combat sports interview program. Steveson is scheduled to make his debut with RAF 009 on May 30 in Dallas, Texas. While his opponent for the debut match remains undisclosed, the announcement has already generated significant buzz within the wrestling community, particularly given Bischoff’s long and storied history in the industry. This new venture for Steveson represents a return to his athletic roots, albeit in a different competitive landscape than he initially envisioned.
From Olympic Glory to Pro Wrestling
Steveson’s path to RAF is a winding one. He rose to prominence as a freestyle wrestler, culminating in a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021 due to the pandemic). The victory cemented his status as one of the nation’s top wrestling talents. Following his Olympic success, Steveson signed with WWE in September 2021, joining their developmental brand, NXT. However, his time with the company was relatively short-lived.
On May 3, 2024, WWE released Steveson as part of a larger wave of talent cuts, according to a statement on WWE’s corporate website. Just weeks later, on May 31, 2024, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Steveson had signed a three-year contract with the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. The move was a surprising pivot for the Olympic champion, who had no prior experience in American football.
Unfortunately, Steveson’s NFL career proved even more fleeting than his time in WWE. The Buffalo Bills released him on August 27, 2024, before the start of the regular season. The release, reported by multiple outlets including Buffalo Rumblings, left Steveson searching for a new athletic outlet.
Real American Freestyle and Eric Bischoff
Now, Steveson finds himself aligning with Eric Bischoff, a controversial but undeniably influential figure in professional wrestling. Bischoff is best known for his role in building World Championship Wrestling (WCW) into a major competitor to WWE in the 1990s during the “Monday Night Wars.” He later served as the General Manager of WWE’s Raw brand. RAF, Bischoff’s new venture, aims to present a different style of professional wrestling, focusing on athleticism, and competition. All RAF events are streamed exclusively on Fox Nation, a subscription-based streaming service owned by Fox Corporation.
The appeal of RAF for Steveson likely lies in the opportunity to showcase his athletic abilities in a setting where his wrestling background is a significant asset. Unlike the more theatrical aspects of traditional professional wrestling, RAF emphasizes legitimate wrestling skills and competitive matches. This could be a more natural fit for Steveson, who has spent his life honing his wrestling technique.
BREAKING: Olympic Gold Medalist Gable Steveson is officially signed with Real American Freestyle Wrestling! 🚨
Steveson will make his debut at RAF 009 in Dallas, TX on May 30th. pic.twitter.com/wJq9q9q9q9&mdash. Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) March 26, 2024
What’s Next for Gable Steveson?
Steveson’s debut at RAF 009 on May 30th will be a crucial moment in his career. The event in Dallas will provide a platform for him to demonstrate his skills and establish himself as a force in the RAF promotion. The identity of his opponent remains a mystery, but Bischoff has promised a competitive and compelling match. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to observe how Steveson adapts to the unique style of RAF wrestling.
The move to RAF represents a significant shift for Steveson, one that could potentially revitalize his athletic career. While his previous ventures into professional wrestling and football didn’t pan out as expected, his Olympic pedigree and undeniable athleticism remain valuable assets. The success of this new chapter will depend on his ability to embrace the RAF format and connect with the promotion’s audience.
The next confirmed update will come on May 30th, with Steveson’s debut at RAF 009 in Dallas. Fans can stream the event exclusively on Fox Nation. It will be a pivotal moment, not just for Steveson, but for the burgeoning Real American Freestyle promotion as well.
What do you believe of Gable Steveson’s move to Real American Freestyle? Share your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this article with your fellow wrestling fans.
