Gable Steveson, the Olympic Gold Medalist once touted as WWE’s next generational star, was unexpectedly released by the company in 2024, fueling speculation about his future in wrestling and his relationship with the legacies of stars like John Cena and Roman Reigns. Steveson spoke candidly about the John Cena WWE comparison, sharing why he does not want to follow in their footsteps or mimic their signature personas.
Steveson, who was often compared to WWE legend Kurt Angle, rapidly became one of the most highly anticipated prospects in professional wrestling. WWE signed him swiftly after his Olympic win, with hopes that he would become a cornerstone for the company’s next era. However, his progress within the WWE system stalled, and despite initial excitement and high expectations, he was let go a few years after his debut. Since his release, Steveson has switched his focus to becoming an MMA fighter, and he discussed his WWE career and future ambitions on the Joe Rogan Experience MMA show, now available on YouTube.
Steveson on Being Himself, Not a Replica of WWE Legends
During his appearance with Joe Rogan, Steveson emphasized his desire to chart his own path in professional combat sports, rather than emulating established WWE icons. He specifically addressed why he does not want to echo the catchphrases or public personas made famous by names like John Cena and Roman Reigns, sharing his perspective on personal branding and character work in the wrestling world.
“I’ve always spoken about myself highly. I always wanted to be over the top. Like in WWE, when he gets on the microphone, and John Cena says, ‘You can’t see me’, or when Roman Reigns says, ‘acknowledge me’. When I go out there, I don’t want to say those things. When you see me, that’s him. And I’ve always had to be that bigger-than-Gable person.”
– Gable Steveson, Olympic Gold Medalist and Former WWE Star
Steveson’s refusal to imitate the approach of John Cena or Roman Reigns underlines his intent to cultivate an identity distinctly his own. Despite many fans and insiders comparing his potential to legends like Kurt Angle, Steveson believes it is important to let his actions and presence define him, rather than relying on scripted slogans or borrowed themes. This perspective offers a pointed response to those who have sought a direct John Cena WWE comparison or expected him to adopt a similar formula for popularity.
Shifting Landscape for WWE Stars and the Question of Legacy
Steveson’s release puts a spotlight on the unpredictable nature of professional wrestling, where even the most promising careers can face abrupt changes. WWE has let go of several stars in recent years, stirring conversations about how young talent is developed and how legacy is maintained within the organization. The fate of former prospects like Steveson has fans and analysts questioning the paths available for elite athletes who enter WWE with high expectations and then encounter creative or developmental setbacks.
For Steveson, the move to MMA could allow him to demonstrate his abilities in a new arena and perhaps escape some of the constraints that wrestling’s entertainment model imposes. His willingness to separate himself from well-trodden WWE archetypes sets him apart from those who take the conventional route to stardom within the company.
Roman Reigns Faces Retirement Rumors While WrestleMania Looms
Amid discussions about Gable Steveson’s future and the John Cena WWE comparison, the focus has also shifted toward Roman Reigns, another superstar whose trajectory is often referenced among fans and insiders. Reigns has worked a reduced schedule for several years, particularly since losing the Undisputed Universal Championship nearly two years ago, leading to ongoing jokes and rumors that he may be approaching retirement sooner than expected.
Speculation intensified after Reigns commented that his current contract, set to end at WrestleMania 42, might be his last, suggesting he could remain in a less physically demanding entertainment role for a year or two post-contract. TKO’s rumored renegotiation of his reported $15-million-a-year contract has added fuel to these rumors. However, according to a report from Fightful, suggestions of an early in-ring retirement for Reigns have been dismissed for now, maintaining uncertainty around his long-term involvement on WWE programming.
Anticipation Builds for WrestleMania and the Next Chapter
With WrestleMania season fast approaching, all eyes are on whether Reigns and Cody Rhodes will conclude their intense rivalry with a trilogy match, following their breakup as allies at Survivor Series: WarGames. This potential showdown reflects the ongoing demand for star-driven storytelling in WWE, as fans speculate about both established legends and the next crop of main-event talent.
For Gable Steveson, choosing not to conform to John Cena WWE comparison or follow in the footsteps of Roman Reigns and Kurt Angle signals a commitment to forging an original legacy. As the wrestling industry undergoes continual transformation, the paths taken by stars like Steveson, Reigns, and others serve as reminders of how individual choices and distinct character work can shape careers. The outcomes of these moments will continue to resonate with wrestling’s passionate fanbase as the industry moves toward its next chapter.
