The World Team Trials 2025 was one for the ages. From landmark victories to shocking upsets, it had something for everyone. But perhaps none of that was able to make the fans ready for what would go down in the 65kg semifinals. After all, on one side we had Nebraska’s own Brock Hardy. But while valiant enough, the grappler facing him would be none other than the undefeated high-school phenom, Bo Bassett himself. So surely it would’ve been quick work, right? Well, not exactly.

By the time the dust settled on the Louisville, the 17-year-old was left stunned as he was handed a tough loss. One, surely made harder after his tough win over NCAA finalist Beau Bartlett in the quarters. But Hardy’s tactical genius turned the tide, and Bassett’s subsequent loss in the consolation rounds meant two straight defeats. With that World Team Trials Semi-final loss, his dream of stepping onto the Final X mat and eventually joining the US Senior Team seemed to vanish.

But there’s a definite silver lining appearing on the horizon now. What could this new opportunity be for the talented young wrestler? Well, just yesterday, on May 22, 2025, FloWrestling dropped the news: Bassett is entering the U20 World Team Trials at 65kg! Although this bracket is stacked with talent, including big names like Lehigh’s Luke Stanich, NC State’s Daniel Zepeda, and Oklahoma State’s Sergio Vega. 

This incredible chance gives Bassett a shot at redemption and a clear pathway to secure a spot on Team USA for the U20 World Championships. Bassett, who comes from Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and wrestles for Bishop McCort High School, boasts an unbelievable undefeated 110-0 high school record, a U17 World Championship title from 2021, and a U20 World bronze from 2024.

His recent commitment to the University of Iowa under legendary coach Tom Brands further highlights just how bright his future is. After the sting of the senior-level Trials, where his dreams of battling the world’s elite were temporarily put on hold, Bassett now has a perfect stage to reclaim his momentum. Can this young prodigy channel his past successes and rise above the competition once more?

Despite the loss, Bo Bassett promises to come back stronger

Bo Bassett, that incredibly talented young wrestler who’s already committed to Iowa, didn’t quite make it to the podium at the Senior World Team Trials. But even without that top finish, his journey really showed off his amazing resilience and how much he’s growing. You can see his dedication to being the best in all his youth championship wins, and it’s clear he’s fired up to leave a lasting legacy with Iowa Wrestling.

For a kid who boasts an incredible 110-0 high school record at Bishop McCort, a U17 World Championship title from 2021, and a U20 World bronze medal from 2024, this kind of setback stings. So, how would Bassett react to this rare taste of adversity? Well, he took to Instagram and shared a powerful message that showed maturity beyond his years. “Senior World Team Trials—What an amazing experience,” he wrote.

“Grateful for the opportunity and for all the battles I got to step into. I know I’m right there and I’m more motivated than ever to become the HUNTER again.” His words weren’t about dwelling on the loss; they were about learning and growing. With his sights now firmly set on the U20 World Team Trials, which FloWrestling announced on May 22, 2025, Bassett is ready to chase a spot on Team USA for the U20 World Championships. Can this young star truly reclaim his predatory edge and come back even stronger?