Ex-WWE Star Wins Easily In MMA Debut
An ex-WWE star recently won their MMA debut fight.
Gable Steveson made his MMA debut at LFA 217 on September 12 at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Minnesota. He fought Braden Peterson, and had UFC great Jon Jones in his corner.
Steveson is also an Olympic gold medal winner and WWE’s second signed by the promotion after Kurt Angle.
His first appearance for the company was during the 2021 Draft in October, where he was assigned to the RAW brand.
Steveson’s debut came on Night 1 of WrestleMania 38 after being introduced by Stephanie McMahon, and on Night 2, he confronted Chad Gable. He was also a part of Kurt Angle’s birthday celebration on SmackDown that December.
In June 2023, he appeared on NXT, where he joined the roster full-time, wrestling Baron Corbin in his first match at The Great American Bash.
The match ended in a no-contest, much to the chagrin of the fans, who turned on him and cheered for Corbin, the heel.
After a couple of months, his name was removed from the NXT roster, sparking concerns about his future with WWE. He was ultimately released on May 3, 2024.
Gable Steveson Wins Debut Match Outside WWE
Gable Steveson made his MMA debut on Friday at LFA 217 against Braden Peterson.
The former WWE star put up a dominant performance, winning the bout via TKO in only 1 minute and 38 seconds.
Gable Steveson MAULS Braden Peterson in the first round of his MMA debut.
WHAT A START TO HIS CAREER 🔥 #LFA217@LFAfightingpic.twitter.com/cN1zffVCU3
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) September 13, 2025
The 25-year-old had previously spoken about his stint with the World Wrestling Entertainment and his subsequent release, saying the timing was not right.
The WWE just wasn’t the right time. I had a lot of competitive edge in me, and they knew that, and it was not the time for it. 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 I have going on.
Elsewhere, a missing star made their triumphant return on SmackDown this week.