Dave Meltzer: WWE once planned Brock Lesnar–style push for Gable Steveson

Dave Meltzer said on the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio that WWE had at one stage planned a Brock Lesnar–level push for former Olympic gold medallist Gable Steveson, but those ambitions were abandoned after the company lost confidence in his development.

Steveson signed with WWE in 2021 and made multiple appearances, including at WrestleMania 38 and SummerSlam 2021, though most of his in-ring work took place in dark matches. His only televised match on WWE programming came against Baron Corbin at NXT’s The Great American Bash 2023, which ended in a double count-out, and he was released in May 2024 before transitioning into the NFL.

According to Meltzer, WWE initially envisaged promoting Steveson rapidly and had hoped to feature him at WrestleMania soon after his arrival, drawing a direct comparison to Brock Lesnar’s early run. Meltzer added the company considered booking Steveson in a short match against someone such as Chad Gable, but ultimately lacked the confidence to place him on a major stage.

Meltzer said the promotion viewed shortcomings in Steveson’s promotional work and charisma as factors in the decision to halt the planned elevation, and that he did not progress in the ring as quickly as expected. Those developmental concerns persisted despite Steveson working several matches with Trevor Lee, whom Meltzer described as an accomplished performer.

The report also compared Steveson’s trajectory to that of his brother Bobby Steveson and Bron Breakker, with Meltzer suggesting the Olympian did not reach the level WWE had expected. Meltzer further claimed the company questioned whether it could justify Steveson’s salary, which he said was closer to main-roster pay than a typical NXT contract.

After his release and a failed stint in the NFL, Steveson moved into mixed martial arts and was signed to the UFC following three professional fights in regional promotions. He recorded a first-round finish in his UFC debut but suffered his first professional defeat at UFC 331 when he was knocked out by Sean Shraff in 12 seconds of the first round; Steveson’s conduct after that loss drew debate among fans, and sexual allegations surrounding him have also been discussed.

Meltzer made these remarks on the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, outlining WWE’s early plans for Steveson, the internal doubts over his progress and pay, and the subsequent shift in Steveson’s career from the NFL into the UFC.