• Failed WWE Wrestler Wins MMA Debut Fight In 98 Seconds (Video)
Olympic gold medalist & former WWE NXT wrestler Gable Steveson made his MMA debut at LFA 217 last night, defeating Braden Peterson in the co-main event via first-round TKO.
The fight took place in Prior Lake, Minnesota, and Steveson didn’t waste much time. After taking a few leg kicks, he secured a takedown early in the bout – about 15 seconds in – and then dominated Peterson on the ground with a barrage of strikes that forced the referee to stop the fight in just 98 seconds!
You can watch the finish below:
Gable Steveson MAULS Braden Peterson in the first round of his MMA debut.
WHAT A START TO HIS CAREER 🔥 #LFA217 @LFAfighting pic.twitter.com/cN1zffVCU3
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) September 13, 2025
For Steveson, this victory was more than just a debut. He entered the MMA world after success in wrestling (including Olympic gold), a brief stint in WWE, and a short time with the NFL’s Buffalo Bills.
UFC Legend Jon Jones was at his side in this fight, watching from the corner. Steveson’s performance was decisive, and many in the MMA community are already excited to see what he can do next. If last night was any indication, he may not be far from competing with the big names.
Steveson was released from WWE in May 2024, after only one televised match in NXT against Baron Corbin, which was received poorly. WWE officials felt he wasn’t making progress and decided to let him go.
• Update On Steve Austin & The Rock’s Status For WrestleMania 43
WWE confirmed in an event in Las Vegas that Saudi Arabia will become the third country to host a WrestleMania. The Show Of Shows will head to the kingdom in 2027.
Before the announcement, the Wrestling Observer reported that WWE is planning to have a star-studded line-up for the event. It was stated that there are plans to have The Rock vs. Cody Rhodes or Roman Reigns as the main event of the show and an agreement with The Final Boss was close to being sealed.
Another major name being discussed according to the report was Stone Cold Steve Austin.
Fightful Select provided an update in which it was revealed that WWE has not approached The Rock or Stone Cold Steve Austin for the event yet.
Saudi Arabia would definitely like to have both legends at The Grandest Stage of Them All, but it’s probably too early for WWE to approach them.
Also Read: Details On WWE’s Plan For WrestleMania Week In Saudi Arabia
• The Rock’s Daughter Ava Reacts To Backlash Over Her Comments About Charlie Kirk
The shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative commentator and close ally of US President Donald Trump, during a midday event at Utah Valley University has dominated headlines over the past two days.
The incident has sparked reactions from all over the world, including from stars in pro wrestling.
WWE NXT General Manager Ava, daughter of The Rock, took to Instagram following the assassination to share a screenshot of a tweet stating:
“If you want people to have kind words when you pass, you should say kind words when you’re alive.”
Many supporters of Kirk saw this as a reference to his demise and called out the NXT GM on Instagram and X.
She later responded to the backlash with the following tweet:
“and i’ll stand behind this.
be kind, now more than ever.”
