Kemo
09-08-2023, 09:07 PM
Gable Steveson officially withdrew from the 2023 World Championships in a surprising move.
Steveson, who had been previously reported requiring WWE's permission to compete at the World Championships due to his contractual obligations, has now been confirmed as "officially removed from the NXT roster" according to Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
The withdrawal was certainly abrupt. Meltzer delved deeper into the situation situation, noting, "The official story is that he has decided not to compete. Mason Parris, who Steveson dominated in the national championships and beat two more times in the team trials will represent the U.S. in the 275-pound weight class. This is one week after amateur wrestling sites had reported he was in.”
Meltzer also pointed out the peculiar nature of this development, especially considering Steveson's recent successes. "It is a really weird story because there was no point in him competing in the tournament and wrestle-offs if not to compete in the world championships. But at the end of the day, this was a WWE decision as he's under contract to them."
The lack of clarity surrounding Steveson's withdrawal, particularly in the absence of any reported injury, has left many puzzled. "One would think this would indicate WWE not allowing Steveson to go for his third NCAA title next year nor the 2024 Olympics, but ultimately this is a decision up to the company," Meltzer remarked.
There are also some questions regarding his status in NXT. Meltzer stated, "there are no plans for him in NXT at this moment."
Steveson, who has hinted at a potential appearance in the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, had recently made a triumphant return to freestyle wrestling by winning the 2023 U.S. Open and securing a spot on the 2023 U.S. Senior World Team at Final X in Newark, New Jersey, marking his first foray back into the sport since the Olympic Games.
Steveson, who had been previously reported requiring WWE's permission to compete at the World Championships due to his contractual obligations, has now been confirmed as "officially removed from the NXT roster" according to Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
The withdrawal was certainly abrupt. Meltzer delved deeper into the situation situation, noting, "The official story is that he has decided not to compete. Mason Parris, who Steveson dominated in the national championships and beat two more times in the team trials will represent the U.S. in the 275-pound weight class. This is one week after amateur wrestling sites had reported he was in.”
Meltzer also pointed out the peculiar nature of this development, especially considering Steveson's recent successes. "It is a really weird story because there was no point in him competing in the tournament and wrestle-offs if not to compete in the world championships. But at the end of the day, this was a WWE decision as he's under contract to them."
The lack of clarity surrounding Steveson's withdrawal, particularly in the absence of any reported injury, has left many puzzled. "One would think this would indicate WWE not allowing Steveson to go for his third NCAA title next year nor the 2024 Olympics, but ultimately this is a decision up to the company," Meltzer remarked.
There are also some questions regarding his status in NXT. Meltzer stated, "there are no plans for him in NXT at this moment."
Steveson, who has hinted at a potential appearance in the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, had recently made a triumphant return to freestyle wrestling by winning the 2023 U.S. Open and securing a spot on the 2023 U.S. Senior World Team at Final X in Newark, New Jersey, marking his first foray back into the sport since the Olympic Games.