Nobody saw it coming. With 67 names crossed off, one expected Wyatt Hendrickson to be yet another name that fell to Gable Steveson. But instead of that, what we witnessed was a shocking loss, which saw Captain America win by a 5-4 scoreline. But unlike the Minnesota faithful, the Golden Gabe isn’t drowning in anger or disappointment. No, the Big 10 champ is already towards the future. And while his status as invincible may be no more, that doesn’t mean his wrestling career is over. He might’ve just confirmed the inevitable.

Gable is grateful as the curtains fall on his collegiate career. In an interview with ESPN, Steveson reflected on his journey with a perspective few expected. For him, his return to the University of Minnesota wasn’t just about chasing another NCAA title. It was about something bigger. “That was the main reason why I wanted to come back to the University of Minnesota after leaving in 2022,” he explained.

Steveson further continued with, “I wanted these kids to see that you can be something special, whether you win or lose. You can change a sport, you can be a guy that people want to look at and take pictures with, and hang out with after the duels and after the matches.” It was never just about gold medals—it was about inspiring the next generation.

And that’s exactly why this loss isn’t breaking him. While fans expected heartbreak, Steveson is flashing nothing but confidence. “It’s not the end of the world for me,” he said, making it clear that his story isn’t defined by one match. “Like I said, the sun is shining right now, I’m happy to see that. The skin is glowing, I’m smiling, the teeth look good, and I’m ready to be here.” The man who once seemed invincible is now showing a different kind of strength. The kind that comes from knowing you’ve already won in ways that go beyond a scoreboard.

For a wrestler who’s traveled the world, stood atop Olympic podiums, and redefined what’s possible in the sport, this isn’t a bitter ending. “I’ve done so many great things, met so many great people, been to so many great places… and I’ll never take that for granted,” Steveson said. With this, he isn’t just saying goodbye to wrestling. He’s stepping into a future that’s even bigger than the sport itself.

A champion’s farewell: Gable Steveson bows out with gratitude, not regret

Gable Steveson may have walked off the mat without a final victory, but he did so with his head held high and a legacy that will be remembered for generations. In the aftermath of his shocking loss, he took to Instagram, not to mourn the moment, but to celebrate the journey. Sharing a photo with his NCAA trophy, he reflected on how far he had come.

And, of course, he didn’t miss the chance to poke fun at himself. “From an 18-year-old kid to now 24 years old (or 30 years old as some would say lol),” he wrote, addressing the endless jokes about his extended collegiate career. But beneath the humor was a message of resilience. “Bumps in the road are going to happen; that’s what makes sports so crazy! But we live for moments like these, and I am just fine!!” he added, making it clear that this loss didn’t define him. His impact did. That impact went far beyond the medals and accolades.

Even in defeat, Steveson’s influence on the sport remained undeniable. Spencer Lee, a fellow wrestling icon and Olympic silver medalist, summed up the emotional weight of the moment with just three simple words. “Wrestling is hard.” Posted on X, the message spoke volumes, coming from someone who had experienced his crushing setbacks. Lee had faced heartbreak before, including a narrow 3-2 loss to Masanosuke Ono in a highly anticipated showdown.

For wrestlers at this level, winning is never guaranteed. The pain of losing is real, but the greatness lies in how they respond. Because when all is said and done, Gable Steveson was never just about winning matches. He was about elevating the sport itself. He wasn’t just a dominant force on the mat. An entertainer, a showman, a heavyweight with a presence that made wrestling bigger than it had ever been.

His final season saw him named Big Ten Wrestler of the Year, and he became one of only three men in conference history to win multiple Most Outstanding Wrestler awards. The loss to Hendrickson may have been the final page of his college wrestling career, but it was never the full story. Because true legends aren’t measured by how they finish, but by the mark they leave behind.