Shawn Michaels Explains Why WWE Star’s Next Match Will Be ‘Sink Or Swim’

WWE

Shawn Michaels has shared his honest thoughts on Gable Steveson ahead of the Olympic gold medalist’s in-ring debut this weekend.

Despite Steveson signing an agreement with WWE in September 2021, and getting drafted to WWE Raw later that year, the athlete has yet to wrestle a full match for WWE.

This all changes on Sunday (July 30) when Steveson makes his pro-wrestling debut against Baron Corbin at NXT The Great American Bash.

Speaking with Busted Open Radio, Shawn Michaels noted that a few months ago he was asking around about giving Steveson the ‘green light’.

Curious about how Steveson’s first match will go, Michaels said:

“I’ve only had a short amount of encounters with him, but I will say that one of the things that you can see right away, you know, he is such a premier athlete.

“He’s very confident. He’s very confident in his ability. Honestly, in his line of work, you know, he almost doesn’t have to try that hard to be as good as he is. It comes naturally to him.

“Now, we’re very curious to see how he adapts to what we do because as you guys know, it’s very different. But again, I think he’s got a great foundation.

“He’s going to be in there with a great guy. We’re excited about finally getting to pull the trigger on it. I mean, it’s something that I went ahead, and I don’t know, it’s something he’s been here.

“He’s been training. I think he’s a real goal oriented individual. A few months ago, honestly, I asked, ‘Hey, can we move on him and give him the green light?’ We’re very excited to see what he brings to the table.

“I mean, he’s obviously a big name, a brand name, and certainly in a different space, but we are hoping that he adapts much like a Kurt Angle.

“I think he certainly has that ability, but again, he’s filling big shoes as you know.

“That’s something that I think he takes seriously and he’s going to learn to sink or swim this Sunday at the Great American Bash.”

Also during this interview, Michaels revealed that he and Triple H have different views on a certain aspect of WWE creative, which you can read more about at this link.

Check out the announced card for NXT The Great American Bash 2023 right here.

Transcription via WrestlingNews.co. 

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• gable steveson
• Debut
• shawn michaels
• wwe

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