The Final X 2025 showcased some thrilling moments as the USA Wrestling team was finalized for the upcoming Senior World Championships in Zagreb, Croatia. The event, held at the Prudential Center in Newark, saw both seasoned athletes and newcomers shine brightly.
A highlight was 18-year-old PJ Duke’s unexpected victory. He pinned Yianni Diakomihalis, a top competitor, proving that age doesn’t dictate talent. Duke’s performance signals a promising future for American wrestling.
Veterans like Kyle Snyder, Spencer Lee, and Helen Maroulis demonstrated their prowess with strong wins. Notably, Zahid Valencia made headlines by defeating Kyle Dake in two matches. His success adds depth to the 86kg weight class for Team USA.
Many newcomers also made a mark. Audrey Jimenez and Levi Haines both secured their places on the national team, showcasing the blend of youth and experience that Team USA is counting on.
Final Results
Men’s Freestyle Team:
- 57kg: Spencer Lee
- 65kg: Real Woods
- 70kg: PJ Duke
- 74kg: David Carr
- 79kg: Levi Haines
- 86kg: Zahid Valencia
- 92kg: Trent Hidlay
- 97kg: Kyle Snyder
- 125kg: Wyatt Hendrickson
Women’s Freestyle Team:
- 50kg: Audrey Jimenez
- 53kg: Felicity Taylor
- 55kg: Cristelle Rodriguez
- 59kg: Jacarra Winchester
- 62kg: Adaugo Nwachukwu
- 65kg: Macey Kilty
- 68kg: Kennedy Blades
- 72kg: Alexandria Glaude
- 76kg: Kylie Welker
Noteworthy Matches
Zahid Valencia vs. Kyle Dake
Valencia’s back-to-back victories over Dake made him a standout. His offensive gameplay was a decisive factor. As wrestling expert Jon Kozak mentioned, this matchup was highly anticipated, reflecting the growing excitement surrounding these athletes.
Spencer Lee vs. Luke Lilledahl
Lee’s victories over Lilledahl confirmed his strength in the 57kg division. His technique and speed set him apart, suggesting he’ll be a force at the World Championships.
Wyatt Hendrickson’s Performance
In a thrilling match, Hendrickson showcased his dominance, defeating Trent Hillger decisively. His ability to pull off a quick technical fall within just over a minute revealed both his skill and readiness for the international stage.
Conclusion
The mix of fresh talent and established champions positions Team USA for a strong showing in Zagreb. Fans can expect high-stakes wrestling, with competitors eager to prove themselves. This event not only highlighted individual achievements but also the resilience and spirit of American wrestling.
For a deeper look into wrestling strategies and competitor backgrounds, visit USA Wrestling for valuable resources and insights.