For wrestling fans, Gable Steveson is a name etched in gold—literally. The 2020 Olympic gold medalist and two-time NCAA champion has dominated the mats with a flair that’s made him a household name in Minnesota and beyond. Now, Steveson is stepping into uncharted territory, transitioning from the wrestling world to the slick submissions of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) for a high-stakes super fight!  Gable will be up against grappling wizard Craig Jones at the Craig Jones Invitational (CJI) 2 on August 31, 2025, in Las Vegas. This isn’t just another match; it’s a seismic clash of wrestling royalty versus BJJ mastery, and Steveson is leaving no stone unturned in his prep. With the wrestling world buzzing, how is Steveson gearing up for this bold leap into a new sport?

Enter an Instagram story that set social media ablaze: Steveson, all 265 pounds of explosive power, sparring with his former Minnesota Gophers teammate Max McEnelly. Posted on Steveson’s Instagram, the clip showed the Olympic champ punching and rolling on the mats, sharpening his grappling game under McEnelly’s watchful eye. The brief footage sparked a frenzy among fans, with clips circulating that display Steveson’s raw athleticism adapting to BJJ’s intricate ground game. This isn’t just a casual roll—Steveson is grinding for a showdown that could redefine his legacy. But who is Max McEnelly, and why is he the one helping Steveson prepare for this epic clash?

Well, Max McEnelly, a redshirt freshman and No. 4-ranked 184-pounder for the Minnesota Gophers, is no stranger to the spotlight. With a 17-0 record before his first loss in the 2025 season, McEnelly has emerged as a rising star in collegiate wrestling. During Steveson’s final year with the Gophers in 2024, he took McEnelly under his wing, mentoring the four-time Wisconsin state champion and molding him into a leader for Minnesota’s storied program.

Now, it seems, McEnelly is returning the favor, assisting Steveson in his BJJ prep by leveraging his own wrestling prowess to simulate the intensity of the CJI 2 mat. Their mentor-mentee bond, forged in the Gophers’ wrestling room, is now a cornerstone of Steveson’s training camp. What does this partnership mean for Steveson’s chances against a BJJ legend like Craig Jones?

Earlier, Gable Steveson was released by WWE

Well, Gable Steveson’s WWE journey was a rollercoaster that ended abruptly in May 2024, leaving fans stunned. The Olympic gold medalist was hailed as the next big thing, often compared to Kurt Angle, when he signed a lucrative NIL deal with WWE in 2020. However, his tenure fizzled out due to struggles connecting with fans and backstage issues.

His only televised match, a double countout against Baron Corbin at NXT’s Great American Bash 2023, drew boos and “you’re not Angle” chants. Bishop Dyer (formerly Corbin) revealed on Busted Open Radio that Steveson’s reluctance to lose his debut match and his demeanor “rubbed some people the wrong way,” costing him opportunities in NXT. With WWE’s high expectations unmet, his release was part of a broader roster cut. What exactly went wrong behind the scenes to derail this prodigy’s path?

Dyer’s comments shed light on Steveson’s backstage missteps, painting a picture of a young star struggling to adapt to WWE’s entertainment-driven world. “After that match, the way that went down, I think he lost a lot of opportunity, especially in that NXT building,” Dyer stated. Steveson’s athletic prowess was undeniable, but his charisma lagged, and his limited NXT appearances—mostly dark matches and live events—failed to ignite fan support. Wrestling Observer Radio reported his “very big money contract” became a liability when he “wasn’t cutting it,” leading WWE to pivot away from their once-prized prospect. By the time of his release, Steveson had already been removed from NXT’s internal roster, signaling a lack of creative plans. Could Steveson’s story have unfolded differently with a better approach to WWE’s unique culture