Released WWE star says he doesn't want to be like John Cena or Roman Reigns

A former WWE star who was believed to be one of the next major names in the company and a generational talent was unfortunately released, and he spoke about John Cena and Roman Reigns and explained briefly why he doesn't want to be like them.

That star is none other than Olympic Gold Medalist, Gable Steveson, who was considered by many to be the next Kurt Angle. Many believed that he could succeed in that role, and WWE was quick to snap him up. However, reports of a lack of progress stalled him for a few years, and in 2024, he was released. The Gold Medalist, now an MMA fighter, appeared on the Joe Rogan Experience MMA show, which is on YouTube.

Speaking to Joe Rogan, Gable Steveson said that he doesn't want to have a "line" like John Cena or Roman Reigns does:

"I've always spoken about myself highly. I always wanted to be over the top. Like in WWE, when he gets on the microphone, and John Cena says, 'You can't see me', or when Roman Reigns says, 'acknowledge me'. When I go out there, I don't want to say those things. When you see me, that's him. And I've always had to be that bigger-than-Gable person.

You can watch the full video below:

Rumors about Roman Reigns' early retirement were addressed

Roman Reigns has been a part-time star for a few years now, but it feels like, after losing the Undisputed Universal Championship nearly two years ago, his appearances have been increasingly infrequent. There has even been the running joke about the numerous graphics that WWE has advertised about Reigns' return, leading to speculation that he might be retiring from in-ring competition earlier than anticipated.

His comments not too long ago about looking to sign one last contract didn't help matters much either, as he said that once his current contract expires (at WrestleMania 42), then he will be looking to do a year or two "max" before taking on a less physical form of entertainment. This was followed up by several reports that TKO is looking to renegotiate his $15-million a year deal. While that isn't his base salary, which is supposedly $5 million a year, factors such as a cut of ticket sales, merchandise, and bonus appearances in Saudi Arabia add up to a big number.

It's going to be interesting to see how things play out, but for the time being, it seems like there are no plans for a premature in-ring retirement. In a report from Fightful, the rumors of an early retirement were shut down.

For now, all eyes will be on the road to WrestleMania, where WWE could potentially be looking at a trilogy match against Cody Rhodes. At the end of Survivor Series: WarGames, a defeated Roman Reigns told Rhodes that it would be the last time they ever teamed up together. It seems like there is still some unfinished business, and fans will be looking forward to a trilogy match if it happens.

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Edited by Rohit Nath