Gable Steveson honored at WWE's SummerSlam

Since winning a gold medal in Tokyo, Gable Steveson has been teasing his next move. Another tease came on Saturday when Steveson was honored along with fellow gold medalist Tamyra Mensah-Stock at WWE's SummerSlam.

Steveson and Mensah-Stock were introduced in front of a crowd of 51,326 fans at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas for one of WWE's biggest events. The Apple Valley native later posted a picture with WWE chairman Vince McMahon on social media.

Both Steveson and Mensah-Stock have expressed interest in joining the company but no deal was announced on Saturday night. Steveson has long been linked to the WWE, telling GopherSports.com in October 2020 that competing in the company would be "a lifelong dream of mine."

WWE has heavily recruited Steveson since he won the NCAA heavyweight championship with the Minnesota Golden Gopher wrestling team last March, having him as a guest at NXT Takeover: Stand & Deliver and WrestleMania 37.

While signs point toward Steveson eventually joining WWE, he has plenty of options. Steveson has been playing along with the suspense on social media by sending wave emojis to McMahon and UFC founder Dana White. Steveson also recently hinted at an acting career during an appearance on SiriusXM's Fight Nation channel.

But the WWE seems like the most likely option considering the success they've had with athletes like Steveson. Fellow Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle became a WWE Hall of Famer and said that McMahon "is drooling right now" over Steveson's potential.

“I think that this kid, I think he’s going to continue to wrestle amateur for another four years, probably win another gold medal,” Angle told App.com. “Then I think eventually end up in the pro wrestling business or UFC or Bellator MMA. So, the kid has an incredible future.”

A move to WWE would also follow in the footsteps of former Gopher Brock Lesnar, who confronted WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns after Saturday's main event.

With several options to choose from, Steveson has taken his time to decide his next move. Whatever it is, it's clear that the Apple Valley native has a bright future ahead.