Picture this: the sun dipping low over Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center in Louisville. casting a golden glow on a wrestling mat where dreams are forged and legacies are tested. The 2025 World Team Trials (WTT) for men’s freestyle wrestling have descended upon this vibrant city, bringing together some of the fiercest competitors in the sport. For us fans, it’s like Christmas morning—every match a gift, every takedown a thrill.

Hosted by USA Wrestling, this event is a crucible for selecting Team USA’s freestyle roster, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. With the world’s eyes on Louisville, a few brackets are stealing the spotlight, promising semi-final clashes that’ll have us glued to our screens. Broadcast live on FloWrestling, this is where heroes are made. Ready to dive into the action? What’s the first showdown we’re hyped for?

Bo Bassett Stuns Beau Bartlett

Bo Bassett, a 17-year-old prodigy from Bishop McCort, pulled off a stunning 1-0 upset over Penn State’s Beau Bartlett to reach the 64kg semifinals. The 2024 U20 World bronze medalist showcased unbreakable defense, neutralizing the 2021 U20 World bronze medalist’s attacks. Bassett’s lone point came from a shot clock violation, a testament to his relentless pressure.

His composure under fire was nothing short of phenomenal, locking Bartlett in a vice. The high school junior’s meteoric rise has fans buzzing. Can Bassett conquer the stacked semifinal field?

Caleb Henson Upsets James Green

Virginia Tech’s Caleb Henson delivered a seismic shock at 70kg, tying two-time World medalist James Green 5-5 but winning on criteria with a clutch late takedown. Green, a seven-time Team USA rep at 70kg, including 2024, couldn’t counter the 2025 NCAA runner-up’s final surge. Henson’s tenacity flipped the match in its dying moments, securing his place in history.

This victory guarantees Team USA a fresh face on the world stage. His grit and timing were razor-sharp, but the road ahead is brutal. Will Henson’s momentum carry him to the finals?

Real Woods’ Clutch Takedown Topples Valencia

Real Woods turned back the clock with a heart-stopping last-second takedown to defeat Stanford freshman Aden Valencia, advancing to the 64kg semifinals. The 2025 UWW Ranking Series bronze medalist trailed late but uncorked a low double to steal the win. Woods’ veteran instincts shone through, flipping the momentum in a blink.

Now, he faces Ohio State’s Jesse Mendez, a U.S. Open champion known for explosive offense. The stakes couldn’t be higher in this battle of experience versus youth. Can Woods’s savvy outshine Mendez’s firepower?

PJ Duke’s Four-Point Fireworks Sink NCAA Champ

High school sensation PJ Duke electrified the 70kg bracket, using a massive four-point move to defeat an NCAA champion 9-6. The Minisink Valley star, part of the #Dukemafia, dazzled with a final sequence that sealed his victory. Duke’s blend of power and flair overwhelmed his decorated opponent, marking a breakout moment. He now faces Ridge Lovett, a teammate of Antrell Taylor, in the semifinals. The young phenom’s high-octane style has turned heads, but Lovett is a formidable foe. Can Duke keep the fireworks going?

Earlier at 65kg WTT Quarterfinal: Marcus Blaze vs. Jesse Mendez Set the Stage

Talk about a matchup that’s got fans buzzing! High school phenom Marcus Blaze, a 2025 Penn State commit, powered past Carter Young with a 9-4 decision at the 2025 World Team Trials, setting up a mouthwatering quarterfinal clash against Ohio State’s Jesse Mendez. Blaze, a U17 World champ and U20 World bronze medalist, showed his mettle by overcoming a 4-1 deficit, scoring eight unanswered points to secure the win.

Mendez, the top seed and 2024 NCAA champ at 141 pounds, is a freestyle beast, finishing fourth at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials and dominating the 2025 U.S. Open. This is youth versus experience, with Blaze’s fearless style meeting Mendez’s polished precision. 

Semifinals Set to Ignite

The Men’s Freestyle semifinals, streaming live at 4 p.m. ET on FloWrestling, promise high-octane clashes across eight weight classes. At 65kg, Ohio State’s Jesse Mendez, a U.S. Open champ, faces veteran Real Woods, while 17-year-old phenom Bo Bassett tests his mettle against Brock Hardy. At 70kg, Virginia Tech’s Caleb Henson, fresh off upsetting James Green, battles Bryce Andonian, and #Dukemafia star PJ Duke takes on Ridge Lovett.

The 74kg bracket pits David Carr against Terrell Barraclough and Jarrett Jacques versus Quincy Monday. At 79 kg, Levi Haines faces Carson Kharchla, and Simon Ruiz meets Dean Jr. Hamiti. The 86kg class is stacked, with Olympic bronze medalist Kyle Dake facing Parker Keckeisen and four-time NCAA champ Carter Starocci clashing with Chance Marsteller.

At 92kg, Josh Barr duels Dustin Plott, while Michael Macchiavello takes on Aeoden Sinclair. The 97kg bouts feature Hayden Zilmer versus Eric Schultz and Justin Rademacher against Jay Aiello. Finally, at 125kg, Demetrius Thomas squares off with Christia Lance, and Jordan Wood faces off against heavyweight standout Trent Hillger. With such a loaded lineup, which of these titans will rise to claim their spot in Final X?