Elite amateur wrestlers have long transitioned from the mat to the bright lights of professional wrestling, but few have done it as successfully. His journey from dominating the amateur circuit to becoming a WWE icon set the blueprint for future generations. Now, Gable Steveson is leading a new wave of wrestling stars looking to follow in his legendary footsteps. But can they replicate his success?

Who are the athletes stepping off the collegiate and Olympic stage and into the world of sports entertainment? How did their technical dominance and raw power shape their rise in the ring? From world-class takedowns to championship belts, these four wrestling stars carved their own paths, proving that real wrestling excellence can translate into WWE greatness. Can you guess who made it to the list carrying on Kurt Angle’s legacy?

Gable Steveson

Before stepping into the world of WWE, Minnesota’s Golden Gophers wrestler Gable Steveson had already built a legacy as one of the most dominant collegiate wrestlers in the 285 pound category. He had 2x NCAA championship titles, one in 2019 and the second in 2020. In college wrestling, the Dan Hodge Trophy stands at the pinnacle of all achievements. Stevenson’s remarkable season also earned him the prestigious Dan Hodge Trophy the same year. An honor given to the best collegiate wrestler in the country. All this at 21 years of age! But wait for the final blow in his career!

Gable Steveson made history at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Winning gold, Steveson performed a fantastic comeback through a late surge to win against Geno Petriashvili, 10-8, in the 125 kg freestyle final while performing his signature backflip. Right after winning his career-first Olympic gold medal in the 125kg division, Steveson shocked the sports world by signing a contract with WWE. It was a move that raised eyebrows—why would a dominant young wrestler, with a clear path to further Olympic and wrestling glory, pivot to professional wrestling so soon? Steveson understood his potential in professional wrestling, but he wanted more than just championships. He was seeking to carve his own unique identity outside of traditional wrestling. However, after an unsuccessful stint in WWE and an unsuccessful 3-year deal with the NFL, Steveson made a tough decision. Announcing his return to collegiate wrestling for one final season!

Steveson was all ready to work with the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers again. Steveson got a victory by tech fall over Drew Blackburn-Forst from North Dakota State that ended at 1:50 with an 18-3 margin. Right back on the mat like he never left! Steveson has a chokehold over NCAA Rankings. The Olympic Champion is Ranked #1 Wrestler. Steveson secured his 59th consecutive victory in his matchup against Northwestern wrestler Dirk Morley. His singular wrestling style together with his excellent mastery of techniques brought him a 55-0 dual meet record as well as 40 straight Big Ten victories. Even in his final home appearance at Maturi Pavilion, Gable Steveson reminded the world why he was in a league of his own. He delivered a dominant 19-3 technical fall victory over No. 11 Ben Kueter. That too in just 2 minutes and 48 seconds!

Kurt Angle

Few athletes have tested the limits of human endurance quite like Kurt Angle. His iconic victory at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics wasn’t just about winning gold—it was about sheer grit, defying medical advice, and proving that an unbreakable will can conquer even the most impossible odds. With a broken neck and searing pain, Kurt stepped onto the mat, refusing to back down. He didn’t just wrestle; he fought through every agonizing second to claim victory in the 100 kg freestyle division. That moment didn’t just make him an Olympic champion—it made him a legend.

But his story didn’t end there. Kurt signed with WWE in 1998. After stepping into the world of professional wrestling, he became one of WWE’s most dominant superstars. Yet, the injuries that nearly derailed his Olympic dreams came back to haunt him. In 2003, during his WrestleMania XIX showdown with Brock Lesnar, he suffered another brutal neck injury, fracturing four vertebrae. Despite being moments away from victory, the injury left Kurt unable to feel his arm, costing him the match. Still, he never let pain define him. Through every setback, Kurt kept pushing forward, collecting titles and accolades along the way. He was a USA Junior Freestyle Champion in 1987. From Olympic glory to WWE superstardom, Kurt Angle’s career is a clear depiction of resilience and sacrifice.

Chad Gable

Before making waves in WWE, Chad Gable was a standout amateur wrestler with an impressive career. A Minnesota high school state champion and Northern Michigan University graduate, he reached the pinnacle of Greco-Roman wrestling by winning the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials at 84 kg. His dominant victory over Jordan Holm (2-0) in the finals secured his spot at the 2012 London Olympics, where he won his opening match before being eliminated in the next round.

Though his Olympic journey was cut short, Gable had already showcased his resilience and technical prowess. After a brief hiatus, he returned to the world of professional wrestling in 2012, competing in various independent promotions in Minnesota. Then came the moment that changed everything. On November 13, 2013, Chad Gable officially signed with WWE. Chad Gable’s rise in wrestling wasn’t just about talent—it was built on relentless dedication and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Winning WWE Tag Team gold alongside Jason Jordan to competing in some of the company’s biggest tournaments. He has consistently proven himself as a force to be reckoned with. He resigned from WWE thereby continuing his journey

Shelton Benjamin

Shelton Benjamin’s success in WWE represents his perseverance and outstanding abilities after overcoming his origins in difficult Orangeburg streets. His environmental obstacles could not stop him because he used wrestling to achieve a spot at the University of Minnesota as an outstanding amateur athlete. His athletic abilities led him to WWE in 2001 after establishing himself as a component of “The World’s Greatest Tag Team” with Charlie Haas. The pair used Kurt Angle as their initial mentor. They were the brutal forces that controlled the tag team ring beyond their status as Kurt Angle’s mentees.

On August 17, 2017, Shelton Benjamin officially returned to WWE, re-signing with the company and making his comeback on SmackDown as Chad Gable’s new tag team partner. The duo quickly found their footing, securing a victory over The Ascension in their first match together. Their momentum continued as they defeated The Hype Bros both on SmackDown and again at Hell in a Cell 2017. However, their first title opportunity ended in disappointment when The Usos retained their belts via count-out. Their pursuit of the championships didn’t end there. At Clash of Champions 2017, Benjamin and Gable came up short in a Fatal 4-Way match that also included The New Day, Rusev, and Aiden English. Their final opportunity at the titles came at the Royal Rumble in a two-out-of-three falls match against The Usos, where they suffered a decisive 2-0 defeat, officially closing the chapter on their championship chase.