The Olympic Games have long been associated with WWE. The promotion has acquired some great talents that have emerged from the highly acclaimed games over the years. Starting with Hall of Famer Kurt Angle, WWE has been able to book some great champions who have gone on to make quite a name for themselves. While some are still signed with the company, others have etched their names as legends of the industry.
From legends such as ‘Mad Dog’ Vachon and Mark Henry to Chad Gable and Ronda Rousey, WWE has always been instrumental in developing great Olympic heroes and giving them the limelight. Kurt Angle was the first gold medalist to be a part of the promotion. He debuted for the company in 1998 after his heroics in amateur wrestling. Following an illustrious career that spanned 21 years, he finally hung up his boots after losing to Baron Corbin at WrestleMania 35.
WWE lands Olympic gold medalist Tamyra Mensah-Stock https://t.co/iXEkTXDQVV
— Fox News (@FoxNews) May 4, 2023
From one gold medalist to another, Gable Steveson also debuted for the company in 2021. Now, a new star has seemingly emerged onto the scene after it recently came to light that Tamyra Mensah-Stock, who is also an Olympic gold medalist and amateur wrestler, has also signed with the company.
During a recent interview with ESPN, the 30–year-old confirmed that after years of expressing her interest in signing with the sports entertainment juggernaut, she has finally signed a developmental contract. At the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, Tamyra Mensah-Stock won her first gold medal in the women’s freestyle 68 kg. She then continued in the amateur wrestling circuit and won bronze at the World Wrestling Championships.
What happened to Gable Steveson in WWE?
Amidst much fanfare, WWE announced the signing of Gable Steveson in 2021. He became only the second gold medalist in the promotion’s history after Kurt Angle. Steveson was touted to be the next Brock Lesnar, given his massive size and acumen as an amateur wrestler.
The 22-year-old was then announced as a part of the roster during Night One of WrestleMania 38 by former Co-CEO Stephanie McMahon. On Night Two of the event, he confronted fellow Olympian Chad Gable and delivered a suplex.
Take in the #WrestleMania atmosphere, @GableSteveson! 👏👏👏@StephMcMahon pic.twitter.com/GCwtEIVvpZ
— WWE (@WWE) April 3, 2022
Despite being drafted to Raw, Steveson never debuted for the brand and was never seen on programming. His last appearance for the company came during the December 9, 2022, episode of SmackDown, where he accompanied Kurt Angle for the Hall of Famer’s birthday celebrations. He recently announced his return to amateur wrestling after seemingly growing frustrated with his progress in WWE.
Tamyra Mensah-Stock will seemingly hope for better luck as she begins her journey in the world of sports entertainment. While several factors contribute to becoming a pro wrestler, she will have a great idol in Kurt Angle to guide her in her journey. It remains to be seen how the future pans out for Mensah-Stock.
