Imagine you won the Olympic Gold. You’ve also won four Big 10 Heavyweight championships and 2 NCAA titles. After all this, one would be sure that the fans would love them. But such is not the case for Gable Steveson. This was most evident on Sunday night as the Gopher added yet another title to his shelf. Yet, most have chosen to call him out rather than praise his accolades. But on the other side, we also have fans who see things much differently, and these guys have decided to protect their champ while the world tears him down. But how did it all start?

Well, as it so happens, the Gopher had left the  NCAA system in 2022. But since his return last November, people have claimed his outside experience has given him an edge that his competitors lack. This was all the more visible on March 9, when, under the bright lights of Evanston, he once again dominated. Defeating the defending champion, Greg Kerkvliet, in a decisive 10-3 victory extended his streak to 66.

But while some fans celebrated another masterclass from the heavyweight phenom, others were quick to nitpick. Instead of focusing on his achievement, some pointed to the years he spent away from wrestling, arguing that he shouldn’t have been allowed to compete at the collegiate level after going pro. The comparisons to wrestling legend Cael Sanderson only add fuel to the conversation.

Former NCAA champion Adam Tirapelle took to social media to weigh in, acknowledging Sanderson’s legendary 159-0 record as the ultimate standard in college wrestling. But in terms of pure dominance, he argued that Steveson’s career should be considered alongside it. He said, “Sanderson’s 159-0 is unquestionably the #1 feat in college wrestling history. But for dominance over a career, if you adjust for that first year, it’s 1A and 1B,” Tirapelle wrote.

While fans can debate the “what ifs” of their careers, one thing is clear: Steveson’s place in wrestling history is undeniable. Whether critics like it or not, he has built a legacy that demands recognition. And just like many have hated him, many also understand what Gable has done for the sport.

“You May Never See Another Guy Like Him”—Fans Rally Behind Gable Steveson

While some celebrate his dominance, others are calling him out. But for anyone calling him out, there’s an army of fans pushing back the Minnesota star. To them, Steveson isn’t just another wrestler. He’s a generational talent whose greatness should be appreciated, not questioned. One fan summed it up perfectly: “You are missing the point if you are busy hating on Gable. You may never see another guy like him.” The message? Appreciate greatness while it’s still unfolding.

Watching countless elite wrestlers over the years, he went on to emphasize just how special Steveson is.

“He’s one of the best I’ve ever watched, and I’ve seen a lot. Enjoy his last 5 matches and try to appreciate a level of wrestling we may not see again for a long time at HWT.” With only a handful of matches left in his collegiate career, Steveson’s supporters have opponents take a step back and look at his entire journey.

One of the biggest arguments against Gable Steveson’s return to NCAA wrestling is that he’s somehow an unfairly experienced “grown professional” dominating younger athletes. But is that the case? Fans who understand the landscape of Division 1 wrestling are quick to set the record straight. “Gable hasn’t been here the longest, nor has he competed the most—he’s just the best. Period.”

This response dismantles the false narrative that Stevenson is an outlier in terms of age or experience. At 24, he’s wrestling in his fourth NCAA tournament. His rival, Greg Kerkvliet, was of the same age and competing in his fifth. Nearly half the heavyweight qualifiers have been in college for six years or more. The reality? Heavyweight wrestling skews older, and Steveson isn’t bending any rules.

As one fan bluntly put it, “People look for a reason to hate greatness.” Another added, “Jealousy makes people do strange things (NOT a Minnesota fan)… but the dude is second to none.” The backlash isn’t about fairness. It’s about frustration. When an athlete is this dominant, some will always look for excuses. With an unbeaten streak of 66 wins, the #1 ranked heavyweight wrestler is chasing every piece of silverware this season.

One fan wrote, “Gable is an absolute freak. Need him wearing red, white, and blue.” And that’s the bigger question now. Steveson has proven he’s the best at the collegiate level again. But what comes next? Will we see him back on the Olympic mat, or is there another path waiting for him beyond wrestling?