After winning an NCAA title in March and then a gold medal in August at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, Gable Steveson will now join professional wrestling’s top organization while still defending his NCAA title.

“Childhood dream accomplished,” Steveson tweeted Thursday. “I have officially signed with the @WWE!!! Thank you for the opportunity!! LETS WORK.” He also tweeted, “Dear @GopherWrestling, I’m Back!”

2021 was the year of Gable Steveson. His pair of individual championships made him one of the most sought after free agents in combat sports history. From professional MMA to pro football, everyone was looking to sign him. Steveson considered every avenue, but ultimately chose professional wrestling and WWE.

Steveson, an Apple Valley, Minn. native continues to make history, as he will become the first to compete at the collegiate wrestling level while having a deal in place with WWE. The recently introduced NIL laws presented Steveson with this historic opportunity.

According to an ESPN story, after Gable Steveson graduates next spring, his multiyear talent contract with WWE will begin. Steveson can prepare for his professional debut at a remote training facility near the University of Minnesota campus where he can work with WWE coaches, or the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Fla., where his older brother, Bobby Steveson, trains, ESPN said.

He will likely be the favorite to take home the NCAA Championship in the heavyweight division once again. He will be looking to become the first in Gophers program history to win back to back crowns since Tony Nelson did in 2012-13.