Get ready, wrestling fans! The stage is set, the lights are bright, and the tension is absolutely electric in Louisville, Kentucky! On May 17, 2025, it all comes down to this. The 2025 World Team Trials Finals kick off at 1:30 PM EST, and trust me, you need to be tuned into FloWrestling for this. This isn’t just any wrestling card; it’s a winner-take-all battle for a golden ticket! Every single victor here punches their pass straight to Final X on June 14th – the last hurdle before officially earning a spot on Team USA for the 2025 World Championships. Seriously, cancel your plans, stock up on snacks, and prepare to be glued to your screen. With a lineup absolutely loaded with freestyle studs, the burning question is simple: who’s got what it takes to step up and write their name into the next chapter of Team USA history?

The journey to these finals has been wild, fueled by the intense semifinal clashes that went down on May 16th. We saw veterans dig deep and young guns make their mark across eight incredible weight classes. Now, as we zero in on the ultimate showdowns, the match everyone is buzzing about is the 86 kg war: Kyle Dake vs. Carter Starocci. Talk about a clash of generations! You’ve got 2x Olympic bronze medalist and multiple-time World Champion against a collegiate icon, a five-time NCAA champ hungry for senior-level glory. But hold up, that’s just the tip of the iceberg! From 65 kg all the way up to 125 kg, every single bout promises fireworks. So, what can we honestly expect when these titans hit the mat?

65 kg: Real Woods vs. Brock Hardy

Kicking things off at 65 kg, we’ve got Real Woods locking horns with Brock Hardy. Woods clawed his way into the finals with a seriously tough DEC 11-9 win over U.S. Open champ Jesse Mendez. Hardy, on the other hand, proved he’s ready for the future by taking out the incredibly talented 17-year-old Bo Bassett. This one is a fantastic style contrast: Woods brings that technical finesse and a relentless pace, while Hardy is a physical beast who loves to grind. Look for Woods to try and control the rhythm early, with Hardy wanting to drag this into a dogfight in the trenches. Well, Woods’ experience gives him a tiny edge in what should be a nail-biter. But can he withstand Hardy’s pressure cooker for the full six minutes? That’s the million-dollar question!

70 kg: Bryce Andonian vs. PJ Duke

Next up, buckle up for 70 kg: Bryce Andonian vs. PJ Duke! This matchup has “edge of your seat” written all over it. Andonian blasted his way through, including taking out Caleb Henson (DEC 3-2), who had already pulled off a big upset against James Green. PJ Duke, repping the #Dukemafia, battled his way past Ridge Lovett, showcasing some slick technical skills. Andonian’s wild, high-risk, high-reward style is going to seriously test Duke’s composure. But Duke’s wrestling maturity might just keep him grounded. Can Duke’s poise survive the Andonian tornado?

74 kg: David Carr vs. Jarrett Jacques

Rolling into 74 kg, it’s David Carr against Jarrett Jacques. This is a classic battle of proven superstar versus the guy who just shook up the bracket! Carr, the Olympic bronze medalist, looked dominant in his semifinal win (DEC 6-3) over Terrell Barraclough. But Jacques? He pulled off a stunner, beating Quincy Monday (DEC 6-2)in a scrambling match that sent shockwaves! Carr’s incredibly polished game and ability to dictate pace will be the challenge for Jacques, who’s known for his rock-solid defense and ability to counter. But man, if Jacques can find a way to disrupt Carr’s rhythm, we could see another upset!

79 kg: Levi Haines vs. Dean Hamiti

At 79 kg, we’ve got a showdown dripping with collegiate rivalry: Levi Haines facing Dean Hamiti. Haines booked his ticket by getting past Carson Kharchla (DEC 10-5), while Hamiti took care of Simon Ruiz(DEC 5-3). Haines is known for being incredibly methodical and having a defense that’s tough as nails – he’ll want to slow down Hamiti’s aggressive, sometimes unorthodox attacks. This might start cautiously as they feel each other out, but we can expect an explosion as Hamiti tries to hit big moves. Can Hamiti find that game-changing move to finally crack Haines’ defensive fortress?

86 kg: Kyle Dake vs. Carter Starocci

Alright, here it is. The match we’ve all been waiting for at 86 kg: Kyle Dake vs. Carter Starocci! Dake, the absolute legend – 2x Olympic bronze, four-time World Champ – earned his spot by taking out Parker Keckeisen (TF 11-1 3:58) in a tough semi. Starocci, the collegiate phenom, a five-time NCAA champ, grinded his way past Chance Marsteller (DEC 4-2) in a clash of titans. This is the dream match for wrestling fans! It’s the grizzled veteran legend against the red-hot rising star who is absolutely chomping at the bit to prove himself at this level. Dake’s incredible technical mastery and mental toughness will be put to the ultimate test against Starocci’s relentless engine and raw physicality. But could Starocci’s youthful fire ignite an upset for the ages? The world is watching!

92 kg: Josh Barr vs. Aeoden Sinclair

Moving to 92 kg, it’s a clash of young, exciting talent: Josh Barr vs. Aeoden Sinclair. Barr advanced by getting past Dustin Plott (DEC 10-4), while Sinclair handled Michael Macchiavello (DEC 4-3). Barr’s speed and athleticism are going to challenge Sinclair’s power and improving technical game, especially with the Gopher Wrestling Club guys looking sharp up top. Can Barr’s quickness create enough openings to sneak ahead?

97 kg: Hayden Zillmer vs. Jonathan Aiello

Heading up to 97 kg, it’s Hayden Zillmer battling Jonathan Aiello – the classic experience vs. youth showdown. Zillmer earned his spot by defeating Eric Schultz (DEC 2-1), while Jonathan Aiello got past Justin Rademacher (DEC 11-4). Zillmer’s veteran fundamentals and control will be up against Aiello’s pure athleticism and higher-paced style. Expect Zillmer to try and slow things down, controlling the ties, while Aiello is constantly pushing for big scoring opportunities. Will Aiello’s energy be enough to throw Zillmer’s game off track?

125 kg: Demetrius Thomas vs. Trent Hillger

Finally, the heavyweights rumble at 125 kg: Demetrius Thomas takes on Trent Hillger. Thomas advanced with a win over Christian Lance (DEC 6-4), while Hillger took down Jordan Wood (TF 13-2 5:53). Heavyweight battles often hinge on a single takedown or scoring sequence. Thomas’s power will be the test for Hillger’s durability and grinding style. Get ready for a physical, low-scoring slugfest, with Thomas potentially looking for a big throw and Hillger aiming to wear him down. Can Hillger’s relentless pressure force Thomas into a mistake?

So there you have it! As the 2025 World Team Trials Finals prepare to explode, the path to Final X is paved with sweat, grit, and the burning desire to represent Team USA. From the epic Dake vs. Starocci main event to every single incredible matchup across the weights, this is an absolute paradise for wrestling fans. Do NOT miss a second of the action! Tune in at 1:30 PM EST on FloWrestling (and catch the women’s finals kicking off earlier at 12:00 PM EST!). Who will etch their name into history today and take that crucial step towards global glory?! You gotta watch to find out!