The Barn Session

Final X 2025 delivered one of the most dramatic and symbolic events in recent memory for USA Wrestling, as several young stars broke through against established legends, signaling a potential new era for the men’s freestyle program. Held in Newark, New Jersey, the event saw nine weight classes determined, with both predictable dominance and jaw-dropping upsets. Here are five of my initial thoughts following the wild event.

1. A Changing of the Guard

This year’s event was perhaps the clearest example yet of a generational shift in USA Wrestling. First-time World Teamers like PJ Duke, David Carr, Levi Haines, Trent Hidlay, and Wyatt Hendrickson earned their spots, unseating world medalists and NCAA legends in the process. The message is clear: the future is now.

2. PJ Duke Shocks Yianni Diakomihalis

The most electric moment of the night came at 70 kg, where 18-year-old phenom PJ Duke took on 2023 World silver medalist Yianni Diakomihalis. After suffering a 10-0 technical fall in match one, Duke stormed back with a 17-10 win in the second bout and then stunned the world by pinning Yianni in the third. The upset sent shockwaves through the wrestling world and firmly established Duke as a name to watch moving forward, at the college and world level.

Personally, as a huge fan of Yianni, it was a crushing moment. Duke still hasn’t even graduated high school, yet he’s beaten 3 NCAA champs (a 4-timer even) and a world silver medalist. The kid is talented, and he’s headed to Penn State where he will likely excel. I don’t know how Duke will fare against the international competition, but he undoubtedly earned the opportunity.

3. David Carr Outlasts Mitchell Mesenbrink

In a battle between two of the nation’s most exciting 74 kg competitors, David Carr used his tactical edge and experience to control the explosive Mitchell Mesenbrink. The matches were razor-close — 4-3 and 4-4 with Carr winning on criteria — but Carr’s control in key positions proved the difference. He now heads to Worlds seeking his first senior-level medal.

Jordan Burroughs spoke highly of Carr as he spent time in Philadelphia training with the 7-time world champion. The adjustments made from the US Open to FinalX proved incredibly effective. Carr won’t have that same window to prepare for each international opponent he’s set to face at Worlds, and there will be plenty of competition at 74kg. One thing is for sure, I look forward to seeing Carr and Mesenbrink continue to push each other to greater heights!

4. Wyatt Hendrickson Turns Heads at Heavyweight

Known for his pace and offensive firepower, Wyatt Hendrickson continued to defy heavyweight stereotypes with a dynamic performance at 125 kg. He opened with a technical fall over Trent Hillger, then followed with a wild 20-14 win in the second match. Hendrickson’s unique style makes him one of the most intriguing U.S. heavyweights in years.

He’s the first Kansas native to make a senior world team since Shawn Bunch in 2009. As he continues this I believable run he’s had the last 8 months, there’s a lot of intrigue in what we saw from him in match 2 against Hillger. Trent had obviously figured something out in terms of getting to Wyatt’s legs. That either speaks volumes to Trent’s ability to figure his opponents out, or is a cause for concern for Wyatt’s ability to medal at Worlds. Wyatt does have some positions where he is world class, particularly on top, he will gut wrench nearly everyone he can takedown. However, with how direct his offense is currently, he will need to choose his moments carefully at worlds.

5. Zahid Valencia Dethrones Kyle Dake

In another landmark result, Zahid Valencia knocked off 4-time World champion Kyle Dake at 86 kg. Valencia controlled the action in both matches, earning wins of 5-3 and 4-1. Long viewed as one of the most talented wrestlers in the country, Valencia now has the opportunity to convert that potential into a World title.

It won’t be easy, 86kg is LOADED with Olympic Champ Ramazanov, Olympic Silver Kadimagomedov, World Champ Ghasempour, and many others. But if anyone has shown they’re ready for the challenge, it’s Zahid.

Looking Ahead to Zagreb

With a new wave of talent rising and a veteran leader like Kyle Snyder still anchoring the team, USA Wrestling heads into the 2025 Senior World Championships with a compelling mix of youth and experience. If Final X was any indication, the American men are ready to make serious noise on the global stage.