“He is the baddest man on the planet.” Those words, delivered with conviction by Daniel Cormier, echoed through the wrestling world as Gable Steveson took center stage at the NCAA Division I Men’s Wrestling Championships in Philadelphia. The sentiment was clear—Steveson is in a league of his own. And if Cormier’s words weren’t enough, Josh Lowe, the 2023 OHSWCA media service awardee, added fuel to the fire: “America needs Gable Steveson for the 2028 Olympics, and the world tournaments between now and then. We saw the alternative in Paris, and it wasn’t good enough.” But why all the fuss? What exactly did Steveson do to earn such high praise?

On March 20, the Olympic gold medalist made his NCAA Championship return nothing short of a spectacle. In the opening round of the 285-pound weight class, Steveson utterly dismantled No. 33 Hayden Filipovich of Purdue. The match was less a contest and more a demonstration of Steveson’s dominance, as he made quick work of his overmatched opponent. Next in line was No. 16 Yaraslau Slavikouski of Rutgers, who had advanced by defeating Jake Andrews. But things from there didn’t turn out well for him. 

Well, Steveson didn’t even need to exert himself against Slavikouski. Why? The Rutgers wrestler essentially handed Gable a free pass, losing by disqualification after five stall calls in the first period. And the result? An effortless ride into the quarterfinals for the Minnesota Gophers’ star. Yet, while his performance on the mat was spectacular, it was news from outside the arena that made Steveson light up with excitement. 

Meanwhile, reports revealed that former President Donald Trump might attend the championship finals at Wells Fargo Arena on Saturday. The possibility of such a high-profile guest thrilled Steveson. “It’s a great thing. Regardless of who the president is, I think it’s a great factor to even come and support wrestling,” Steveson said with genuine enthusiasm. For a sport often overshadowed by mainstream athletic events, a presidential appearance would be a major spotlight moment.

Interestingly, it is not the first time President Donald Trump will come to the Nationals. He came one time in the past and he has a close bond with Penn State University. Therefore, his appearance on Saturday may not pose a surprise to several wrestling fans. But the 24-year-old wrestler’s plan to celebrate POTUS’s arrival might catch some out of the blue. 

Gable Steveson wants to pay gratitude to the POTUS for his presence in the audience box on Saturday. How? “We’re going to put on a good show for him. Him showing up Saturday night, he’s coming to watch some of the best wrestling on earth, and we’re going to give that to him,”  Gable said. So does it mean that on Saturday, there will be more fireworks on the mat? You can bet on it. Moreover, for Gable, who made his comeback in college wrestling in his final year only, performing in front of the POTUS might feel like a dream come true moment. However, Gable didn’t dream of such a piece for him when he thought about his return to the Gophers last year. Then what did he think?

Gable Steveson explains his duty in the Minnesota Gophers 

For most wrestlers, winning a national championship would be the ultimate goal—the crowning achievement of their college career. But for Gable Steveson, it was never about the title. His decision to return to the Minnesota Gophers wasn’t fueled by personal glory. Instead, it was about something far more meaningful: guiding the next generation.

On March 19, just hours before stepping onto the mat for his third NCAA Wrestling Championships, the 24-year-old Olympic gold medalist revealed his true motivation. “I’m getting older and the guys on the team are getting younger, so just coming back and kind of giving them that leeway to show them what it takes to be something great in this sport. It was definitely a big thing, and I’m happy I did it,” Steveson shared. Has he fulfilled his job? Through setting examples? Absolutely. 

At an age when most wrestlers are still finding their footing, Gable Steveson is already thinking about his legacy. His presence at Minnesota isn’t just about collecting hardware—it’s about passing down the blueprint for greatness. But also, with Steveson, the future is never set in stone. His athletic career could pivot in any direction. He’s already flirted with other worlds—signing with WWE in 2021 and even trying out with the Buffalo Bills in the NFL last year. With his rare blend of size, speed, and athleticism, he’s a fit for both sports. And there’s no guarantee he won’t return to either in the future. Chances are there. Yet Steveson has stood firm on one point. 

For now, wrestling has his full attention. The NCAA Championships are his stage, and he’s putting on a masterclass for both his opponents and his Gophers teammates. Whether he continues to dominate on the mat, entertain in the WWE ring, or barrel through NFL linemen, one thing is certain: Steveson’s journey is far from ordinary, and he has made it to inspire the generations.