TLDR
- Gable Steveson signed a multi-fight deal with Real American Freestyle Wrestling
- He will make his RAF debut on May 30 in Dallas, Texas, on Fox Nation
- His opponent has not been announced, but RAF is targeting big names
- RAF is building toward a rematch with Wyatt Hendrickson, who beat Steveson in NCAA finals
- Steveson’s WWE career failed with only one official match before his departure
Sources: Bloody Elbow | eWrestlingNews | F4WOnline
Gable Steveson has signed a multi-fight deal with Real American Freestyle Wrestling, marking his return to competitive wrestling after unsuccessful stints in WWE and the NFL. The announcement was made on The Ariel Helwani Show on March 25.
Steveson will make his promotional debut at RAF 9 on May 30 in Dallas, Texas. The event will air on the Fox Nation streaming service.
An opponent for Steveson’s debut has not been announced yet. According to Ariel Helwani, the organization is targeting big-name wrestlers for the matchup.
Building Toward NCAA Rematch
Real American Freestyle is working toward a future rematch between Steveson and Wyatt Hendrickson. Hendrickson upset Steveson in the NCAA finals last year.
The rematch would be one of the organization’s featured bouts. However, it will not be Steveson’s first fight for RAF.
🚨 BREAKING: Gable Steveson has signed a multi-match deal with RAF and will make his debut at #RAF09 on May 30
(via @arielhelwani) pic.twitter.com/94lJ157D6w
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) March 25, 2026
RAF was founded in 2025 and features Eric Bischoff as one of its public faces. The organization focuses on freestyle wrestling and broadcasts its events exclusively on Fox Nation.
Steveson’s Professional Career Path
Steveson won the Olympic gold medal in wrestling before signing with WWE in 2021. His time with the professional wrestling company was considered high-profile when he first joined.
However, his WWE career never took off as expected. He had only one official match outside of house shows and dark matches before his departure.
After leaving WWE, Steveson attempted to break into the NFL with the Buffalo Bills. That venture also did not work out.
Steveson has been training in mixed martial arts with the goal of reaching the UFC. He remains undefeated in the MMA fights he has competed in so far.
There was speculation about a potential UFC debut at this summer’s White House event. Steveson is not part of that card.
The multi-match deal with RAF allows Steveson to return to the sport where he found his greatest success. He earned his Olympic gold medal in freestyle wrestling.
The May 30 event in Dallas will be Steveson’s first competitive wrestling match since his NCAA loss to Hendrickson. The organization has not revealed how many fights are included in his contract.
Fox Nation subscribers will be able to watch Steveson’s debut and subsequent matches through the streaming platform. RAF has used the service as its exclusive broadcast partner since the organization’s launch.
Steveson’s signing represents one of the biggest acquisitions for the young wrestling organization. RAF has been working to sign recognizable names to build its roster and audience.
The 24-year-old wrestler now returns to competitive action after spending time away from the mat. His debut is scheduled for May 30 at RAF 9 in Dallas, Texas, with his opponent to be determined.
