Can anyone stop Gable Steveson? The Olympic gold medalist, two-time NCAA champion, and heavyweight force has steamrolled back to college wrestling, extending his career streak to 66 straight wins. But now, the final awaits as he faces Wyatt Hendrickson, Oklahoma State’s wrecking ball A U23 world champion and a two-time state champion at high school who is hungry for his first NCAA title. He’s battled through the ranks, smashing through opponents. But is he ready for the ultimate challenge? Steveson wants history. Hendrickson wants an upset! How about a bit of a preview?
Ever since returning, Gable Steveson has reminded everyone that he still owns the mat. A two-time Dan Hodge Trophy winner. An Olympic gold medalist. A two-time NCAA champion. And now, on the verge of history, he’s chasing a third title like a man on a mission. “I made the team before and won the Olympic championships. I feel like I can do it again. And some guys are just in the way, and I plan on taking them out,” Steveson said.
After wiping out Greg Kerkvliet for his fourth Big Ten crown, Steveson stormed through this tournament like a runaway freight train. First, a pinfall win in just 1:25. Then, he turned No. 16 Yaraslau Slavikouski into a practice dummy, forcing five stall calls in one period. Cohlton Schultz? Another victim. Steveson made an Olympic hopeful look like a midseason tune-up. And now, he’s one match away from history. But across the mat stands Wyatt Hendrickson, a man who has waited years for this moment.
This isn’t just a championship match for Hendrickson. It’s redemption. The former Air Force All-American, now under the guidance of David Taylor at Oklahoma State, has spent his career clawing his way up, only to hit one wall, Gable Steveson. When Steveson won his second NCAA title, Hendrickson was just another name on his victim list. But that was then. Now? Hendrickson is different. His 28-match winning streak, his Big 12 title, and his dominant win over defending champ Greg Kerkvliet prove it. He’s no longer in awe of Steveson. He’s here to take him down. “I was a fan last time,” Hendrickson admitted. “This time, I’m coming to attack.”
Big win for Wyatt Hendrickson. Will wrestle Gable Steveson in the main event tonight.
What % chance do you give Hendrickson tonight?#ncaawrestling pic.twitter.com/aQq7U6yrR3
— FloWrestling (@FloWrestling) March 22, 2025
That’s how both wrestlers see their chances, Steveson chasing history, Hendrickson seeking redemption. But what about the fans? They’ve got their own predictions. Some see an inevitable coronation, while some sense underdog has a chance.
Fans drop their predictions for the Gable Steveson vs. Wyatt Hendrickson Hendrickson showdown
Gable Steveson is a force of nature, standing on the edge of history. But Wyatt Hendrickson isn’t just here to witness, he’s here to stop it. The U23 World Champion has been smashing through opponents, winning 28 straight. Can he pull off the impossible? Fans have plenty to say. Some think the door is shut. “Zero chance. He only beat an injured Kerk, let’s not get ahead of ourselves.” Greg Kerkvliet, the defending national champ went in with a knee injury in the tournament, he looked spent.
But not everyone is dismissing Hendrickson so quickly. “Honestly don’t like the blatant dismissal that Gable’s gonna walk away with it. Hendrickson is big, strong, and physical. Hendrickson could create a scramble and pin him more so than anyone else in the bracket.” He’s relentless, and that kind of pressure can force mistakes, even from the best.
Still, others acknowledge the challenge. “5% but would love it.” The odds are slim, but they’re not zero and some fans think it is a long shot, sure, but Hendrickson’s top game is dangerous. If he can get there, who knows? “It’s never impossible, but it’s near impossible. The only way I see it happening is if Hendrickson picks top and can somehow manage to turn Gable.”
Then comes the middle ground, hope, but with realism. “Puncher’s chance, he can pin anyone if he gets them down. Gable will not choose down for sure. Mason Parris could also get Kerk but had nothing for Gable.” This fan sees Hendrickson’s knockout power but questions whether he’ll ever get the opportunity.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.
The post Wrestling Community Lands in Debate as Gable Steveson Set to Face 2x State Champion in the NCAA Finals appeared first on EssentiallySports.
