Final X Preview: Wyatt Hendrickson Headlines Final X With Single Goal, Kyle Dake Eyes Revenge Against Rival & Much More

The wrestling world is holding its breath for June 14, 2025, when the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, becomes the epicenter of American wrestling at Final X 2025. This best-of-three showdown will decide who earns the right to represent Team USA at the 2025 World Championships in Zagreb, Croatia, from September 13-21. From heavyweight slugfests like Wyatt Hendrickson vs. Trent Hillger—where Hendrickson’s 10-4 U.S. Open rout meets Hillger’s gritty 10-4 World Team Trials comeback—to lightning-fast clashes in the lighter weights, the 20-match lineup across men’s and women’s freestyle is a thrilling mix of Olympic medalists, world champs, and fearless newcomers. With legacies on the line and dreams within reach, let’s dive into this electrifying preview, breaking down each matchup with the passion of an ESPN fan. Who’s ready to make history? Let’s hit the mat with the men’s freestyle.

Let’s dive into the matchups that will have you on the edge of your seat!

Men’s Freestyle: Where Legends Meet the Future

• 57 kg: Spencer Lee vs. Luke Lilledahl
  It’s the seasoned veteran versus the teenage sensation! Olympic silver medalist Spencer Lee, a master of the mat, takes on 19-year-old U20 World champion Luke Lilledahl. Can Lilledahl’s youthful energy and snappy attacks overcome Lee’s experience and deadly top game? This is a generational clash you won’t want to miss.
• 61 kg: Vito Arujau vs. Jax Forrest
  If you love fireworks, this one’s for you! Two-time world medalist Vito Arujau, a relentless attacker, faces high school junior Jax Forrest, who just stunned everyone at the U.S. Open. Forrest, at just 17, is fearless and ready to rumble. Is he the future, or will Arujau’s world-class pedigree hold strong?
• 65 kg: Joey McKenna vs. Real Woods
  This is a battle of seasoned warriors! Joey McKenna, known for his clutch performances, goes against Real Woods, who brings a relentless pace. Both are tough, tactical, and ready to dictate the tempo. Who will come out on top in this high-octane clash?
• 70 kg: Yianni Diakomihalis vs. PJ Duke
  Technical wizard Yianni Diakomihalis, a world silver medalist, faces rising star PJ Duke, who’s been on a tear, taking down NCAA champs. Yianni’s in top form, but Duke’s youth and upset potential make this a must-watch. Can Duke shock the world, or will Yianni’s experience shine through?
• 74 kg: Mitchell Mesenbrink vs. David Carr
  Get ready for the rematch everyone’s been waiting for! Mitchell Mesenbrink, who dominated David Carr at the U.S. Open, will meet him again. Mesenbrink is a force, but Carr is a past U20 world champ who bounced back with a win at the World Team Trials. This will be razor-close, decided by the smallest margin!
• 79 kg: Evan Wick vs. Levi Haines
  Evan Wick, the U.S. Open winner, brings his strong freestyle game against Levi Haines, a rapidly rising star from Penn State. Wick has the resume, but Haines has incredible momentum. Can Haines’s rise outshine Wick’s veteran savvy?
• 86 kg: Zahid Valencia vs. Kyle Dake
  This is a true blockbuster! Zahid Valencia, a world bronze medalist, surprised four-time world champ and Olympic medalist Kyle Dake at the U.S. Open. Dake’s a legend for his late-match heroics, but Valencia showed he can control him. Will Valencia repeat, or will Dake reclaim his throne?
• 92 kg: Trent Hidlay vs. Josh Barr
  U.S. Open champ Trent Hidlay, with his dominant underhook, takes on Josh Barr, who’s got U20 silver and great freestyle instincts. Hidlay has the edge, but Barr’s potential for an upset makes this compelling.
• 97 kg: Kyle Snyder vs. Hayden Zillmer
  Olympic gold medalist Kyle Snyder is a living legend. While there’s some uncertainty around his SafeSport status, if he competes, he’s a force. He’ll face Hayden Zillmer, who’s shown grit. Can Zillmer capitalize on any opening against the decorated Snyder?
• 125 kg: Wyatt Hendrickson vs. Trent Hillger
  Heavyweight fans, buckle up! Wyatt Hendrickson, an athletic powerhouse, will battle Trent Hillger, who showed incredible resilience at the World Team Trials. Hendrickson’s the favorite, but Hillger can’t be counted out. Who will dominate the big-man battle?
  

Women’s Freestyle: Where Power Meets Grace

• 50 kg: Audrey Jimenez vs. Erin Golston
  Youthful explosiveness meets veteran experience! U20 world champ Audrey Jimenez takes on seasoned Erin Golston. Can Jimenez’s speed overwhelm Golston’s savvy?
• 53 kg: Brianna Gonzalez vs. Felicity Taylor
  A chess match on the mat! Brianna Gonzalez’s technical precision clashes with Felicity Taylor’s relentless attack. Who will control the pace and claim victory?
• 55 kg: Cristelle Rodriguez vs. Everest Leydecker
  U20 world champ Cristelle Rodriguez brings her international experience against high school standout Everest Leydecker. Rodriguez has the edge, but Leydecker’s hunger for an upset is real.
• 57 kg: Helen Maroulis vs. Amanda Martinez
  A true legend against a rising star! Three-time Olympic medalist Helen Maroulis is a titan, but U.S. Open champ Amanda Martinez is fearless. Can Martinez pull off a miracle against the decorated Maroulis?
• 59 kg: Abby Nette vs. Jacarra Winchester
  Can Abby Nette dethrone a world champion? She’ll face 2019 world champ and Olympic veteran Jacarra Winchester. Nette’s in form, but Winchester’s pedigree looms large.
• 62 kg: Kayla Miracle vs. Adaugo Nwachukwu
  Two-time world bronze medalist Kayla Miracle brings her freestyle mastery against rising talent Adaugo Nwachukwu. Miracle has the experience, but Nwachukwu’s aggressive style could shake things up.
• 65 kg: Macey Kilty vs. Aine Drury
  World medalist Macey Kilty is a machine, but U.S. Open champ Aine Drury has shown incredible heart. Can Drury shock the veteran in this intriguing matchup?
• 68 kg: Kennedy Blades vs. Brooklyn Hays
  Olympic silver medalist Kennedy Blades is a favorite, but Brooklyn Hays has the tenacity to make this competitive. Can Hays challenge the Olympic star in what promises to be a powerful bout?
• 72 kg: Alex Glaude vs. Amit Elor
  World champ Amit Elor is a juggernaut at 72 kg. Alex Glaude has the tools to compete, but can she find a way to upset the dominant Elor in this formidable challenge?
• 76 kg: Kylie Welker vs. Dymond Guilford
  World bronze medalist Kylie Welker brings her international experience against Dymond Guilford’s raw power. Will Welker solidify her status, or does Guilford have an ace up her sleeve for a surprise?

The Bigger Picture: Dreams, Legacies, and Team USA!

Final X is more than just individual glory; it’s about earning that coveted spot on Team USA for the World Championships. The best-of-three format means every match matters, demanding consistency, grit, and heart. With legends like Snyder, Maroulis, and Dake facing off against the exciting next generation like Lilledahl, Forrest, and Duke, this event is a snapshot of wrestling’s thrilling present and its even brighter future. The Prudential Center is going to be absolutely electric, and you can catch all the action live on FloWrestling. Who will etch their name into Team USA’s legacy? Mark your calendars for June 14th and you won’t want to miss a single moment of this epic night!