In a span of a little more than five months, University of Minnesota wrestler Gable Steveson won an NCAA Championship, an Olympic Gold Medal, and a contract with the WWE. The wrestling promotion announced Thursday that it had inked its first NIL deal by signing the heavyweight to an "exclusive agreement."
Word of Steveson's signing with the promotion broke earlier in the week, but it was unclear if the phenom would forego another season of collegiate wrestling and go straight to work in the squared circle. He dispelled that Thursday by tweeting "Dear @GopherWrestling, I'm back!" after announcing his agreement with WWE.
Childhood dream accomplished.. I have officially signed with the @WWE!!! Thank you for the opportunity!! LETS WORK
— Gable Steveson (@GableSteveson) September 9, 2021
The Hodge Trophy winner is a heavy favorite to repeat as NCAA Champion this season. He'll eventually join former Gopher heavyweight and WWE Champion Brock Lesnar as Minnesota big men to go to work for Vince McMahon.
