Oklahoma State’s Wyatt Hendrickson pulled off a jaw-dropping upset by defeating Gable Steveson of Minnesota to win the NCAA heavyweight wrestling championship. This thrilling match took place on Saturday night in Philadelphia, at the Wells Fargo Arena.
Hendrickson’s victory, with a score of 5-4, is already being talked about as one of the biggest surprises in NCAA wrestling history. After the match, he even paid tribute to former President Donald Trump, who was in the crowd, greeting him alongside Sen. Markwayne Mullin from Oklahoma.
To understand how significant this win was, let’s look at Gable Steveson’s impressive track record. He made waves at the 2020 Olympics, becoming the youngest super heavyweight wrestler to win a gold medal at just 21. He snagged two NCAA titles and earned the Dan Hodge Trophy, which recognizes the top college wrestler in the U.S. Before this year, he seemed unstoppable, having not conceded a single takedown all season.
This year, Steveson returned to the University of Minnesota for one final shot at another championship after brief stints in WWE and with the NFL’s Buffalo Bills. Many expected him to easily add to his collection of titles.
But in a dramatic turnaround, the match shifted just 30 seconds before it ended. Hendrickson seized an opportunity, executing a double-leg takedown that left fans and commentators, including UFC champion Daniel Cormier, in disbelief.
Recent trends in wrestling show more upsets, perhaps due to improved training and access to technique sharing online. This match exemplifies that shift, showcasing how rivals can challenge established champions. Fans have taken to social media, sharing clips and their reactions, with many labeling Hendrickson’s win as a new chapter in wrestling history.
In another angle, according to the NCAA’s latest statistics, student-athlete performance continues to evolve. The amount of time wrestlers dedicate to training and their approach to preparing for competitions has expanded dramatically in the last few years, leading to more unpredictable matches like this one.
Hendrickson’s victory not only adds to Oklahoma State’s legacy but also serves as a reminder of the surprises sports can bring, inspiring future wrestlers to dream big and aim high.
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Source linkGable Steveson,Wyatt Hendrickson,NCAA wrestling,Oklahoma State,Air Force Academy,Hendrickson,Isaac Wasserman,Markwayne Mullin,NCAA,Buffalo Bills
