At WWE NXT Great American Bash, the Olympic gold medalist received a bad reception despite a good performance.
Having worked in public service and as someone who patronizes businesses, I’ve seen multiple instances of customers berating brand-new employees on their first day, and it’s disgusting. Mistreating and verbally abusing someone trying to do their best when they’re just starting is ignorant and mean.
Unfortunately, the folks of Cedar Park, Texas, didn’t get the memo about how it’s not cool to be discourteous to newbies as they lustily booed Gable Steveson during his debut against Baron Corbin at NXT’s Great American Bash.
Those gathered at the H-E-B Center cheered for Corbin as if he were a hometown hero while actively dumping on the Olympic gold medalist and two-time NCAA wrestling champion. Perhaps some of that disdain came from Steveson’s past legal issues. That, I could understand.
But considering they were chanting, “You’re not Angle,” referring to Kurt Angle, who was also an Olympic gold medalist, it’s likely that the Cedar Park faithful just weren’t into Steveson as a performer.
Seriously? It’s the kid’s first match, and he’s already getting grief because he doesn’t perform like a 20-year veteran or because he paid homage to Angle with a few of his moves? Give me a break — or more importantly, give Gable one.
Welcome to #WWENXT, @GableSteveson #NXTGAB pic.twitter.com/3tNyI2KDbJ
— WWE (@WWE) July 31, 2023
As to be expected, Steveson had some rough moments, but he held his own and kept pace with a seasoned pro like Corbin. At one point, there appeared to be a miscommunication or mistiming on a suplex spot. Steveson froze but then began throwing punches at Corbin.
Was it a rookie mistake? Probably. But occasionally, there are awkward beats and rough transitions between well-versed stars. So that one glitch wasn’t a big deal. That Steveson didn’t linger lost in