Introduction: A Titan Falls in Philadelphia
On the evening of March 22, 2025, the wrestling world stood still as Gable Steveson, one of the most decorated athletes in collegiate and international wrestling history, suffered a jaw-dropping defeat at the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships in Philadelphia. Facing off against Oklahoma State’s Wyatt Hendrickson, Steveson lost the heavyweight title in a dramatic 5-4 match that has been dubbed one of the greatest upsets in NCAA history. For Steveson, whose name is often spelled interchangeably as Gable Steveson or Gable Stevenson across platforms, this loss marked the end of an era—and the beginning of a new chapter in his multifaceted career.
This detailed news story dives deep into Gable Steveson’s journey, his record-breaking achievements, his foray into WWE, and the rise of Wyatt Hendrickson, the wrestler who dethroned him. Moreover, it examines the implications of this upset and what lies ahead for both athletes. Transitioning from his Olympic triumphs to this unexpected defeat, let’s explore the full scope of this historic moment.
Gable Steveson’s Illustrious Career: A Record of Dominance
Born on May 31, 2000, in Portage, Indiana, Gable Dan Steveson—named after wrestling legend Dan Gable—has been a force in the sport since childhood. His family relocated to Apple Valley, Minnesota, during his middle school years, allowing him to compete for the powerhouse Apple Valley High School wrestling program. There, he cemented his status as a prodigy, securing four state titles and a 171-match win streak in his final years of high school competition.
Steveson’s collegiate career at the University of Minnesota was nothing short of extraordinary. His Gable Steveson record boasts a near-perfect 103-3 mark, with his only prior losses occurring during his freshman season in 2018-2019. Since then, he had not lost a collegiate match—until Wyatt Hendrickson stepped onto the mat in 2025. Furthermore, Steveson earned two NCAA Division I national championships (2021 and 2022), four Big Ten Conference titles, and five All-American honors, making him one of the most decorated heavyweights in NCAA history.
Beyond college, Steveson’s freestyle wrestling accolades are equally impressive. In 2021, he clinched the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in the 125-kilogram division, defeating Georgia’s Geno Petriashvili with a last-second takedown. This victory solidified his reputation as a global superstar and earned him a 73-match winning streak heading into the 2025 NCAA finals. However, his path took unexpected detours before returning to the collegiate mat, as we’ll explore next.
Gable Steveson’s WWE Journey: A Brief but Notable Stint
Following his Olympic triumph, Steveson’s ambitions extended beyond wrestling mats. In September 2021, he signed a groundbreaking Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with WWE, becoming only the second Olympic gold medalist—after Kurt Angle—to join the professional wrestling giant. His Gable Steveson WWE tenure began with fanfare, including a cameo at SummerSlam 2021 and a high-profile appearance at WrestleMania 38 in 2022, where he suplexed Chad Gable in a memorable moment.
Despite the hype, Steveson’s WWE career struggled to gain traction. His televised in-ring debut came on July 30, 2023, at The Great American Bash against Baron Corbin, but the match ended in a double count-out and drew boos from the crowd. Critics noted that his athletic prowess didn’t fully translate to the scripted world of professional wrestling. Consequently, WWE released him on May 4, 2024, after less than three years—a surprising end to what many anticipated would be a blockbuster run.
Interestingly, Steveson’s WWE stint overlapped with his collegiate wrestling return. Under NCAA rules and his NIL agreement, he was able to compete for Minnesota in 2024-2025 while still under contract with WWE. However, his release from the company allowed him to refocus entirely on wrestling, setting the stage for his final NCAA season—and his fateful encounter with Wyatt Hendrickson.
The Rise of Wyatt Hendrickson: A New Heavyweight Star
While Gable Steveson’s name dominated headlines, Wyatt Hendrickson quietly emerged as a formidable contender. At 23 years old—Wyatt Hendrickson age aligning closely with Steveson’s 24—Hendrickson brought his own impressive resume to the mat. A Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force, Hendrickson transferred to Oklahoma State wrestling from the Air Force Academy for his final year of eligibility in 2024-2025, joining a program led by first-year head coach David Taylor, an Olympic gold medalist himself.
Hendrickson’s Hendrickson wrestling journey is marked by resilience and dominance. During his time at Air Force, he earned two All-American honors and established himself as a pinning machine, racking up 13 pins and eight technical falls in his 27-0 senior season at Oklahoma State. His prior meeting with Steveson at the 2021 NCAA Championships ended in an 18-2 technical fall loss as a freshman, but four years of growth transformed him into a wrestler capable of challenging the best.
On March 22, 2025, Wyatt Hendrickson vs. Gable Steveson became the defining moment of his career. Trailing 4-2 with less than 30 seconds remaining, Hendrickson executed a desperate double-leg takedown, powering through Steveson’s defenses to secure a 5-4 lead. As the clock ticked down, he rode out the Olympic champion, clinching the NCAA heavyweight title and ending Steveson’s 73-match win streak.
The Match That Shocked the World: A Play-by-Play Breakdown
The NCAA heavyweight final was a clash of titans, with Steveson entering as the top seed and Hendrickson as the No. 2 seed. From the outset, the match showcased their contrasting styles: Steveson’s technical precision versus Hendrickson’s relentless aggression. Early on, Steveson scored a takedown just 12 seconds in, but Hendrickson’s scramble forced a stalemate after 44 seconds of intense action—a sign of things to come.
Midway through the first period, Steveson struck again, converting a leg attack into a 2-1 lead. Hendrickson, however, kept the pressure on, thwarting Steveson’s attempts to widen the gap. In the second period, two critical sequences kept Hendrickson in contention: he kicked out of a Steveson shot with 14 seconds left and fended off another attack as time expired. Entering the third period, Steveson held a slim 3-2 advantage.
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The final minute was pure drama. Steveson extended his lead to 4-2, but with 21 seconds remaining, Hendrickson launched a last-ditch effort. Grabbing Steveson’s right leg, he transitioned to a double-leg takedown, muscling the Olympic champion to the mat for three points. As the crowd erupted, Hendrickson clamped down, preventing Steveson from escaping. When the buzzer sounded, the score read 5-4, and a new champion was crowned.
Reactions and Implications: A Shift in the Wrestling Landscape
The wrestling world was quick to react. Daniel Cormier’s commentary captured the shock: “Wyatt Hendrickson just beat Gable Steveson! Oh my goodness. “This is an utterly astonishing moment in NCAA history!” tweeted Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle. “It may well rank as the most significant upset since Dan Gable’s defeat,” he added, invoking comparisons to some of wrestling’s most legendary milestones. Meanwhile, Hendrickson’s salute to President Donald Trump, who attended the event, added a patriotic flourish to his victory celebration.
For Steveson, the loss ends his collegiate career on a bittersweet note. His 103-3 record, two NCAA titles, and Olympic gold ensure his place among the all-time greats, but the elusive third NCAA championship slipped through his fingers. Conversely, Hendrickson’s triumph elevates him to stardom, positioning him as a frontrunner for the Dan Hodge Trophy and a potential force in freestyle wrestling.
Additionally, this upset underscores the unpredictability of the sport. Oklahoma State wrestling, under David Taylor’s leadership, now has a national champion in its first year—a testament to the program’s resurgence. For Minnesota, Steveson’s departure leaves a void, but his legacy will inspire future Gophers.
What’s Next for Gable Steveson?
With his collegiate eligibility exhausted, Steveson’s future is a topic of fervent speculation. After his WWE exit, he briefly pursued an NFL career, signing with the Buffalo Bills as a defensive lineman in May 2024 despite no prior football experience. Released in August 2024, he returned to wrestling, but this latest defeat may prompt a reassessment of his goals.
One possibility is a return to freestyle wrestling. Steveson has expressed interest in competing at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where he could add to his gold medal haul. Alternatively, his comments to Daniel Cormier in 2022 about aspiring to become a UFC heavyweight champion suggest a potential pivot to mixed martial arts. At 6-foot-1 and 275 pounds, Steveson’s athleticism and grappling pedigree could make him a formidable MMA prospect.
For now, Steveson remains a larger-than-life figure. Whether he chooses wrestling, fighting, or another venture, his next move will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
Wyatt Hendrickson’s Bright Future
As for Wyatt Hendrickson, his NCAA title is just the beginning. With his Air Force commitment looming, he may transition to freestyle wrestling or pursue a professional career after fulfilling his military service. His victory over Steveson proves he can compete with the world’s best, and at 23, he has ample time to build on this success.
Oklahoma State wrestling fans, meanwhile, celebrate their first heavyweight champion since Steve Mocco in 2005. Hendrickson’s leadership and dominance have set a high standard for Taylor’s tenure, signaling a new era for the Cowboys.
Conclusion: A Legacy Defined, A New Star Born
Gable Steveson’s loss to Wyatt Hendrickson on March 22, 2025, will be remembered as a pivotal moment in wrestling history. For Steveson, it’s a rare blemish on an otherwise stellar career—one that includes Olympic gold, NCAA dominance, and a brief but headline-grabbing WWE run. For Hendrickson, it’s a coronation, a triumph that cements his place among the sport’s elite.
As the wrestling community reflects on this upset, one thing is clear: both athletes have left an indelible mark. Steveson’s journey continues to evolve, while Hendrickson’s star is just beginning to rise. The mat may have closed this chapter, but the stories of Gable and Wyatt are far from over.
FloWrestling – A leading source for wrestling news and highlights, featuring coverage of the Steveson-Hendrickson match
ESPN – Offers in-depth analysis of NCAA wrestling championships and Daniel Cormier’s commentary.
WrestleStat – Provides detailed wrestler profiles and comparisons, including Steveson and Hendrickson.
Minnesota Gophers Athletics – Official site with Steveson’s career stats and achievements.
Oklahoma State Cowboys – Home of Cowboy wrestling, celebrating Hendrickson’s title win.
FAQ
Q: What is Gable Steveson’s wrestling record?
A: Gable Steveson concluded his collegiate career with a 103-3 record, including two NCAA titles and four Big Ten championships.
Q: How old is Wyatt Hendrickson?
A: Wyatt Hendrickson is 23 years old, born in 2001, making him roughly one year younger than Steveson.
Q: What happened in the Wyatt Hendrickson vs. Gable Steveson match?
A: On March 22, 2025, Hendrickson upset Steveson 5-4 in the NCAA heavyweight final, scoring a decisive takedown with 21 seconds left.
Q: Why did Gable Steveson leave WWE?
A: Steveson was released by WWE in May 2024 after a lackluster run, including a poorly received debut match in 2023.
Q: What’s next for Gable Steveson after the NCAA loss?
A: Potential paths include a return to freestyle wrestling for the 2028 Olympics or a transition to MMA, as hinted in his talks with Daniel Cormier.
