The path to Zagreb runs through Newark. On June 14, the 2025 Final X will bring together the country’s best men’s freestyle wrestlers for one final showdown at the Prudential Center in New Jersey. With World Championship roster spots on the line, this best-of-three series will feature Olympic medalists, NCAA champions, and rising stars—all vying to represent Team USA at the 2025 Senior World Championships in Croatia.
- 57 kg: Spencer Lee vs. Luke Lilledahl
Olympic silver medalist and three-time NCAA champion Spencer Lee will face U20 World Champion Luke Lilledahl in a generational clash at the lightest weight. - 61 kg: Vito Arujau vs. Jax Forrest
Arujau, the 2023 Senior World Champion, returns to Final X to take on teenage phenom Jax Forrest, whose impressive run at the Trials earned him this opportunity. - 65 kg: Joey McKenna vs. Real Woods
Veteran contender McKenna will meet NCAA finalist Real Woods, who impressed with a dynamic win at the Trials to earn his Final X debut. - 70 kg: Yianni Diakomihalis vs. PJ Duke
Yianni, a world silver medalist, brings international experience to his matchup with high school sensation PJ Duke, who stunned fans by taking out Bryce Andonian in the Trials final. - 74 kg: Mitchell Mesenbrink vs. David Carr
Mesenbrink, a 2025 NCAA Champion, and Carr, the 2024 NCAA Champion, will battle in a highly anticipated clash of elite college stars now breaking through on the senior level. - 79 kg: Evan Wick vs. Levi Haines
Wick, a consistent top-tier presence, is still looking for his first Senior World Team berth. He’ll be tested by Levi Haines, who continues to shine after another strong NCAA campaign. - 86 kg: Zahid Valencia vs. Kyle Dake
After defeating Dake at the U.S. Open, Zahid Valencia will now face the four-time World Champion and two-time Olympic bronze medalist in what could be the most anticipated series of the event. - 92 kg: Trent Hidlay vs. Josh Barr
Hidlay, known for his grit and experience, will take on Junior World Team member Josh Barr, who wrestled with confidence and poise en route to a Trials title. - 97 kg: Kyle Snyder vs. Hayden Zillmer
Olympic gold medalist and multiple-time World Champion Kyle Snyder returns to Final X to face longtime challenger Hayden Zillmer in a rematch of previous domestic battles. - 125 kg: Wyatt Hendrickson vs. Trent Hillger
Hendrickson, who transferred to Oklahoma State and won the 2025 NCAA Championship, now takes the next step in his career. He’ll face Gopher Wrestling Club’s Trent Hillger, a veteran of the heavyweight circuit.
What’s at Stake
Each series will be contested in a best-of-three format. The winners will represent Team USA at the 2025 Senior World Championships in Zagreb, Croatia, this fall. Final X is not just a qualifier—it’s the proving ground for greatness.
Stay tuned to Heavyweight Nation for full coverage of Final X, including live updates, breakdowns, and post-match analysis from Newark.
