A Stunning Defeat at the NCAA Championships
In one of the most unexpected moments in NCAA wrestling history, Olympic gold medalist and two-time NCAA Heavyweight Champion Gable Steveson suffered a dramatic defeat at the 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships in Philadelphia. Wyatt Hendrickson of Oklahoma State delivered a last-second takedown, stunning the crowd at the Wells Fargo Center and securing one of the biggest upsets in recent memory.
For Steveson, this was a heartbreaking moment. The wrestling world had been watching his return to the NCAA stage with great anticipation, expecting him to reclaim his throne. Instead, the night ended with Steveson leaving his shoes on the mat—a traditional wrestling gesture signaling retirement.
The Road to This Moment
Steveson’s career has been anything but ordinary. After winning gold at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, he became a household name, celebrated for his agility, power, and last-second heroics. But instead of pursuing another Olympic run immediately, Steveson explored different opportunities.
He signed a contract with WWE in 2021, training as a professional wrestler.
He had a brief tryout with the Buffalo Bills in the NFL.
He trained with UFC champion Jon Jones, sparking speculation about a future in mixed martial arts (MMA).
Despite these ventures, Steveson returned to Minnesota to chase a third NCAA title, aiming to cement his status as one of the greatest collegiate wrestlers of all time. His journey back to the mat was met with excitement, but also skepticism—had his time away from pure wrestling affected his sharpness?
Wyatt Hendrickson: The New Giant Slayer
Wyatt Hendrickson, a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, wasn’t just another competitor—he was a determined athlete who refused to be intimidated by Steveson’s legacy. His discipline, hard work, and relentless drive paid off when he capitalized on a late opportunity to pin the reigning champion.
Hendrickson’s post-match celebration was just as dramatic—he saluted former U.S. President Donald Trump, who was in attendance, adding another layer of significance to the night.
What’s Next for Gable Steveson?
With his shoes left on the mat, the question on everyone’s mind is: Is this the end of Steveson’s wrestling career?
A Return to WWE? His previous WWE contract still makes him a strong candidate for professional wrestling, where his charisma and athleticism would make him a star.
A Move to MMA? Training with Jon Jones fueled speculation that Steveson could transition to the UFC, where his wrestling skills would be a major advantage.
Coaching or Commentary? Many former wrestling legends transition into coaching or sports analysis. Could Steveson take that route?
Regardless of what’s next, Gable Steveson’s legacy is far from over. He remains one of the most talented wrestlers of his generation, and whether inside a ring, on a mat, or in a cage, fans will be eager to see what he does next.
One thing is certain: This isn’t the last time we’ll hear the name Gable Steveson.