The best thing I can think of is that it would fit a possible narrative. "Complacent super talent reluctantly returns to college wrestling for a paycheck". Not saying I think thats the truthiest truth but if he turned in a lackluster performance and took a loss it would fit said narrative.
I've heard "first college loss" as an excuse for such maneuvering twice now and even though I don't disagree with the decisions in themselves thats a really absurd justification.
not that it matters but they had 9 finals appearances, so that would be the best metric for that group
also I don't think Davino Bouzakis Mendez get 3 titles
it was a rude way of saying his wrestling isn't sophisticated enough to beat Steveson. He's really open and really bold, but he's not good enough to make his blitzkrieg work on steveson. Should have said it nicer.