You are very possibly correct. I took issue with "destroyed."
I don't think pre-WWE Gable is destroying Neal, as he didn't demolish everyone he wrestled in those years.
Neal was also the best of the world. And infinitely better at football.
But back to wrestling: Neal was name FILA Outstanding Wrestler in 1999 and recognized as the best wrestler in the world that year. He ..was also 22 years old, significantly younger than final form Gable who also spent years with WWE.