Gable Steveson Signs With Real American Freestyle Wrestling | Debut Date & Details
Gable Steveson, the 2020 Olympic gold medalist in wrestling, is returning to competitive freestyle wrestling with Real American Freestyle (RAF), marking a recent chapter in a combat sports career that has seen him explore opportunities in WWE, the NFL, and mixed martial arts. The announcement, made during The Ariel Helwani Show on Wednesday, confirms Steveson’s multi-match deal with RAF and his debut on in Dallas, Texas.
The move comes as Steveson continues to build a professional MMA record, currently standing at 4-0 with four stoppages, whereas simultaneously pursuing his ambitions of competing in the UFC. RAF, co-founded by Eric Bischoff, features a unique format of real freestyle wrestling – distinct from professional wrestling – and already includes active UFC fighters like Arman Tsarukyan and Colby Covington on its roster. The promotion streams exclusively on Fox Nation.
While an opponent for Steveson’s debut has not yet been named, the signing immediately fuels speculation about a potential rematch with Wyatt Hendrickson, the Oklahoma State wrestler who handed Steveson his only collegiate wrestling defeat. Hendrickson defeated Steveson in the 2025 NCAA Division I championship match with a dramatic, last-second takedown, ending Steveson’s 70-match winning streak and denying him a third national championship.
Steveson’s path to this point has been unconventional. After achieving Olympic glory at just 21 years old, becoming the youngest freestyle wrestler in his division to win gold, he signed with WWE in , touted as a potential star. However, his run with the company proved short-lived. Despite the initial hype – he was only the second Olympic gold medalist ever signed by WWE after Kurt Angle – Steveson had limited in-ring opportunities, appearing in only one official televised match outside of house shows and dark matches, and was released in .
Following his departure from WWE, Steveson briefly pursued a career in the NFL, signing with the Buffalo Bills, but was released before the start of the season. He then returned to the University of Minnesota for his final year of NCAA eligibility, achieving All-American status for the fifth time before the aforementioned championship loss to Hendrickson.
His current focus on MMA has been under the tutelage of Jon Jones, and UFC President Dana White has expressed interest in signing Steveson once he gains more experience in the cage. The RAF deal is not expected to interfere with his MMA trajectory, as several active UFC fighters already participate in the promotion.
Steveson’s accolades extend beyond the Olympics and NCAA championships. He is a two-time NCAA Division I champion, a two-time Dan Hodge Trophy winner – awarded annually to the nation’s top collegiate wrestler – and a five-time All-American. His signing with RAF represents a return to the discipline that launched his athletic career, offering a platform to showcase his wrestling prowess while continuing to pursue his MMA ambitions.
The promotion is clearly building towards a Steveson versus Hendrickson rematch, a storyline that resonates deeply within the wrestling community. Hendrickson currently holds the RAF heavyweight title, and the prospect of a second encounter between the two rivals is a significant draw for the promotion. The May 30 event in Dallas will be closely watched to see how Steveson adapts to the RAF format and whether the groundwork is laid for a highly anticipated showdown with Hendrickson.
Steveson’s journey has been marked by transitions and unexpected turns, but his commitment to competitive excellence remains unwavering. His decision to join RAF is a testament to his desire to stay active in wrestling while simultaneously pursuing his goals in MMA, a rare feat for an athlete of his caliber. The wrestling world will be watching to see what the next chapter holds for the Olympic gold medalist.