WWE’s second-ever Olympic Gold Medalist was in action before this week’s episode of SmackDown went on the air.
The January 5, edition of the blue brand was the ‘New Year’s Revolution’ episode of SmackDown and concluded WWE’s stacked first week of programming in 2024. In the main event, Randy Orton, AJ Styles, and LA Knight competed with the winner earning an Undisputed WWE Universal Championship opportunity. After Roman Reigns and The Bloodline interfered, Nick Aldis announced a fatal four-way at the Royal Rumble on January 27.
Gable Steveson at SmackDown
Before the show went on the air, the fans in Vancouver were able to see Gable Steveson in action. The Tokyo 2021 Summer Olympics Gold Medalist faced Cedric Alexander and got the win over the Hurt Business alum. You can check out Steveson’s entrance in the video below.
Gold medalist @GableSteveson is here #WWE #SmackDown #Vancouver @ThomasBrice2017 pic.twitter.com/46Md6lk1jO
— Randy Dhillon (@RandyDhillon) January 6, 2024
This was Steveson’s 13th match since signing with WWE in 2021. Steveson currently boasts a 12-0-1 record, with the only blemish on his record being a count-out draw against Baron Corbin in July 2023.
Another WWE NXT Appearance
Gable Steveson wasn’t the only name associated with WWE NT to be at this week’s SmackDown in Vancouver. For his tag-team match with Pretty Deadly, Butch had to find a tag-team partner, which turned out to be Tyler Bate. The Big Strong Boi and his fellow NXT UK Champion would get the win over Elton Prince and Kit Wilson.
Why is it unfair to compare Gable Steveson to Kurt Angle? Click here to check out what the WWE Hall of Famer has to say.