Just one takedown that no one could deliver to Gable Steveson in the entire season. Wyatt Hendrickson landed that, and that too, at the most crucial point. That was enough for the Air Force Lieutenant to deliver what the commentators described as the “biggest upset in the history of the NCAA” to lift the national title in the heavyweight category. However, the initial script of the match never projected Hendrickson as the winner.

Steveson, a 2020 Olympic gold medalist in 125 kg, was on a 70-match winning streak while entering the match. Also, before the match, the wrestler was on an unbeaten streak for almost four entire seasons. On the other hand, Hendrickson also entered the match with an unbeaten record. But, he, at one point, was trailing 4-2. However, just 20 seconds left, he managed a shocking takedown to take the lead and held onto it for the remaining period, sealing the 5-4 victory.

As the victory was sealed, Hendrickson lay flat on the mat, utterly in disbelief, and his team members embraced him in celebration. After getting back on his feet, he saluted President Trump, draping himself with the National Flag. “It’s bigger than worlds, Olympics, anything,” an emotional Hendrickson was quoted as saying by AP. But wait, looks like the trails of the win did not just end. On the heels of it, Hendrickson seems to have scored another victory over Stevenson, this time off the mat.

As per Intermat Wrestle, Gable Steveson is not on the finalist list for the Dan Hodge Trophy 2025. After trying his hands in other sports like WWE and NFL, out of his love for wrestling and to give closure to the Minnesota Gopher, Steveson came back. He made his highly anticipated return to collegiate wrestling on November 22, 2024, competing against North Dakota State University (NDSU), and contributed to the Gophers’ impressive 39-0 shutout over NDSU. The 24-year-old’s list of achievements is seemingly never-ending, yet he was not even considered a prospect for the sought-after trophy. But Hendrickson shines bright among the list of potential awardees.

This loss was more than just a blemish on his impressive record; it had immediate repercussions. Steveson, who had previously been a frontrunner for collegiate wrestling’s most prestigious individual honor, found himself omitted from the list of finalists. The finalists announced were Mitchell Mesenbrink, Carter Starocci, and Wyatt Hendrickson, the wrestler who had bested Gable Steveson.

The omission was unexpected, especially considering Steveson’s prior accolades. He has previously won the trophy twice in folkstyle wrestling. In fact, he is the first and only heavyweight wrestler to win the Dan Hodge Trophy more than once. The winner will be declared based on the votes that are currently underway, and will remain open until 6 p.m. EDT on Friday, March 28. Fans can cast their votes on WIN Magazine’s official website. The winner is scheduled to be announced at 1 p.m. EDT on March 31.

Meanwhile, Steveson addressed the defeat in NCAA wrestling with characteristic grace, stating, “We live for moments like these.” In a small dig to his critics, he wrote in his statement, “To all the doubters, and naysayers that I had this year.. Regardless of how you felt… YOU STILL WATCHED and I thank you for that too.” But can this be counted as the declination point for the former NCAA champion?

Is this the decline of Gable Steveson’s career?

Gable Steveson, once considered nearly untouchable on the mat, suffered a major setback with his loss to Wyatt Hendrickson—a result that few saw coming. The Olympic gold medalist and multiple-time NCAA champion had dominated his opponents with an air of invincibility, but Hendrickson’s victory has shifted the narrative. With questions now swirling about Steveson’s form and future, fans are left wondering if this marks the beginning of his downfall or just a temporary stumble.

Top Comment by Gibby78

This is rediculous, the man is a one of a kind athlete. One loss and he is nothing? Who makes...more

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Debate

Amid the speculation, Steveson took to social media, hinting at his next step with a cryptic post: “On to what’s next.” The message, though brief, has sparked a wave of discussion—does this mean a return to professional wrestling, another shot at international competition, or even a shift away from the sport altogether? His decision will undoubtedly shape how this chapter of his career is remembered. This subtle yet powerful message of Steveson has led to speculation about a potential comeback, possibly with his sights set on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

As the debate continues, one key question remains: Will Steveson step back onto the wrestling mat to silence the doubters? Fans are left waiting for a definitive statement on whether he will chase redemption or if Hendrickson’s victory will serve as a turning point in his storied career.