Mr. Kennedy said a released WWE star doesn’t love the wrestling business.
Mr. Kennedy recently guested on Chris Van Vliet, where he talked about an assortment of topics, including Gable Steveson. In 2021, he joined WWE’s NIL (Next in Line) deal but barely appeared on any programming before landing in NXT in 2023. However, he was released the following year.
On the CVV appearance, Mr. Kennedy said that he thinks Gable Steveson doesn’t love the wrestling business and was only added to WWE due to the NIL deal. The wrestling legend added that those who succeed are the ones who adore the industry.
“I don’t think that he loves the wrestling business. I mean, WWE has done the NIL thing for a while. I remember back when, I think when I was there, there was always these rumors that WWE is only taking guys that are six foot one or taller. Then for a while, they wouldn’t take anybody that had independent experience. I just think the guys who are successful love this.”
After his release, Steveson returned to amateur wrestling at the University of Minnesota. He was also signed to the NFL’s Buffalo Bills in May last year, but the three-year deal was cut short as he was released three months later. This year, he is set to make his submission grappling debut at the Craig Jones Invitational 2 in August.
Gable Steveson comments on WWE release
After returning to Minnesota to resume competing in amateur wrestling, Gable was asked about his WWE release. Steveson shared that professional wrestling just wasn’t the right time, but he has no bad blood with the company and is open to returning if the stars align again in the future.
“I think WWE just wasn’t the right time. I had a lot of competitive edge to me, and they knew that. It was just not the time for it, and so maybe one day if the stars align, it’ll be a great opportunity to do it again. I have no bad feelings with it, I have no bad blood with it, and I would like to keep moving forward with everything.”
It remains to be seen if the former superstar will return to professional wrestling again.