Chasing Superstardom: Dreams of the WWE
10/27/2020
For Gable Steveson, he has never wavered from his dream of someday becoming a WWE Superstar.
“This is a dream I’ve had since I was a kid. Everybody grew up watching WWE when they were young, I know I watched it. It’s just been a lifelong dream of mine.”
Gable had always watched Monday Night Raw in the living room. He recreated finishing moves on the couches like Rey Mysterio’s signature “619” with his older brother, Bobby. From his television screen, he watched performances from stars such as The Rock, The Undertaker and John Cena.
Oh, and of course Brock Lesnar.
In a lot of ways, Lesnar had taken the same path that Steveson is now trying to pursue. After a dominant career at the University of Minnesota that was capped with an NCAA heavyweight national title, Lesnar blasted onto the professional wrestling scene. Just over two years removed from finishing his career in the Maroon & Gold, Lesnar became a WWE World Champion, accomplishing the feat only 127 days into his career.
In his illustrious 20-year career, the eight-time world champion Lesnar was seen by many as a world-beater. A 6’ 4” wrecking machine that dominated everything in his path, given the nickname “The Beast Incarnate” during his tenure. However, beyond that intimidating stature, Gable Steveson considers Lesnar a mentor and a friend.
“My relationship with Brock has been awesome. It’s outstanding that a guy like that has noticed me and has gone out of his way to be there for me and guide me in the right direction. We all know who Brock is on TV, but behind everything else, he is a nice person and he has done some amazing things for me.”
Could there be a better training partner for @GSteveson than @DCBROCKLESNAR ? #GopherTough #GopherFamily pic.twitter.com/X7YKlc4Kzb
— Minnesota Wrestling (@GopherWrestling) January 16, 2019
All I am focused on right now is winning. My time with the WWE will come if it comes. I just need to control what I can control, which is to keep winning and being dominant in my finishing years
Their friendship continued in the Gopher wrestling room when Lesnar made multiple visits to Minneapolis, and it is also where this dream seemed obtainable for the first time. “When you’re a kid, you don’t really know how to make it to the WWE, but when I got to the University of Minnesota, I learned how Brock went about things and how to make connections,” Gable said.
Another key individual in the transition from college to pro for Lesnar was Paul Heyman, a man well-respected in the industry for his ability to groom talent into superstars. In addition to Brock, Heyman has managed the likes of Kurt Angle and Roman Reigns. Soon, Gable hopes to be in line to become a “Paul Heyman guy.”
“Every great spokesperson needs its next public figure. Some day, I wish that I can be that next public figure for [Heyman].”
It is not lost upon Gable that this dream of making the WWE is not a given. He knows that the company is selective in finding and developing the world’s next best talent, but Steveson also seems to know what the WWE is looking for.
WWE says that when searching for developmental talent, they look for personality, world-class athleticism, and charisma among other traits. Luckily for Gable, he checks all the boxes and knows what he brings to the table.
It is safe to say that Gable Steveson is about as charismatic as it gets. “I think I’m really good with a camera. When I bring my talk and my confidence level, people listen,” he confidently adds. He knows how to use his personality to get people interested, whether it is pumping up the crowd with a huge post-match flex, or using his social media to get his followers’ attention. Whether people love him or not, whatever Gable does, people will watch.
As far as his accomplishments on the mat, Steveson’s resume is almost unmatched. He’s earned four Minnesota high school titles. In his first two years with the Golden Gophers, he’s already become a two-time All-American and a B1G Champion. He has more freestyle World Championships at the junior and cadet levels than he does losses in his collegiate career.
All of that, and he’s only getting bigger, and stronger, and better.
How is that for world-class athleticism?
Four straight state titles. 171 wins in a row (best-ever in Minnesota). @GSteveson -- you have been incredible to watch and to cover. Can't wait to see what you do with @GopherWrestling Here's a look at his state title win, the legendary back flip and a special moment w/ the fam: pic.twitter.com/iX3f36L4Af
— Ryan Shaver (@RShaverSports) March 4, 2018
.@GopherWrestling fans were treated to another @GSteveson win this afternoon at Big Ten Wrestling Championships at Williams Arena. #1 ranked Steveson knocked off Iowa's Sam Stoll to advance to the heavyweight semifinal this evening. pic.twitter.com/kToRmZeNxM
— FOX 9 Sports (@Fox9Sports) March 9, 2019
Even though the future seems bright, Gable continues to stay focused on the task at hand of becoming the best wrestler he can be at the University of Minnesota. “All I am focused on right now is winning. My time with the WWE will come if it comes. I just need to control what I can control, which is to keep winning and being dominant in my finishing years,” Steveson states. Heading into his junior campaign, Gable Steveson will almost certainly be the #1 heavyweight in the nation and a force to be reckoned with in his pursuit of a national championship in his final two years.
But if you ask Gable why he is going to be the WWE’s next big superstar someday, his reply will always be the same.
“Because I’m Gable Steveson.”
- Logan Sass, Athletic Communications Assistant
