Just before the Paris Olympics trial, Jordan Burroughs is thoroughly looking at all odds to measure his opponents. On the other hand, Bo Nickal is counting his chance against Cody Brundage in the upcoming UFC 300 middleweight battle. Both Burroughs and Nickal have left their NCAA days far behind. Even so, both legends have recently appeared in a war of words based on their common love-wrestling

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Moreover, the feud extended further when Jordan Burroughs appeared at WrestleMania 40 last night. Watching the Paris Olympic-bound wrestler’s theatrics might not have been the best experience for the MMA fighter, given his longstanding tussle with Burroughs. 

Jordan Burroughs hailed on Bo Nickal’s preferred stage 

As tweeted by the X-handle, Wrestle Purists, Jordan Burroughs, reached WrestleMania 40 as an endearing audience. In the shared tweet, the Olympic gold medalist showcased his glee as the WWE authority made him honored on a memorable occasion. However, on the same night, Bo Nickal had to enjoy the WrestleMania occasion away from the actual venue, without being called in. Rather, the former NCAA champion expressed his emotion over the occasion by tweeting, “Watching @WWE Wrestlemania tonight. .Definitely getting in there at some point in my career.”

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In the past as well, Bo Nickal displayed his eagerness to join the WWE several times. However, he never received a call from the entertainment platform. But Jordan could manage one. Moreover, for him, Jordan Burroughs’ presence on the WWE platform might have not been digestible, as once he called the Olympic gold medalist a ‘fraud’. The feud dates back to several months ago. 

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While doing the NCAA wrestling commentary this year, Jordan Burroughs suggested attacking Carter Starocci’s injured right leg to dissipate his winning chances. Eventually, Jordan Burroughs might face Starocci in the upcoming Paris Olympic trial. So, aligning that chance, he further added, “I tell you what, if him and I meet each other in the bracket, I’m going right for that right leg.”

Taking a serious offense at that comment, Nick later argued, “Sad that you think that way and even if you do you should keep it to yourself it’s unprofessional. For all your accomplishments I’d expect more.” In the meantime, he took digs at the 2x NCAA champion, calling him “Really classy” and a ‘fraud’. Since then, the situation has gone further south. Eventually, Carter Starocci entered the debate to let his mindset slip. Making a doubling effect, his statements felt a threat to Jordan Burroughs. 

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The actual fight before the Paris Olympics 

After Starocci’s victory in the national championship, 35-year-old Burroughs wished him luck. “Congratulations Aaron Brooks and Carter Starocci on becoming four time National Champions!…Competitors personified!” Jordan Burroughs penned. However, Carter Starocci could only remember Bo Nickal’s argument about the situation. 

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Taking Starocci’s side, the MMA pro clarified, “Why take a guy’s fourth national title and one of the biggest moments in his career and make it about yourself?”  on his podcast. The Penn State senior shared that clip on X with the vow to end Jordan Burroughs’ career in the upcoming Paris Olympics wrestling trial. Nickal also threw his challenge to Jordan to see him ‘in person’. Last night’s incident might just have added one more page to the fiery rivalry. 

Read more: 6x World Wrestling Champ Jordan Burroughs Challenges Critics as He Clocks Countdown for Paris Trials

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Prasun Chakrabarty

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Prasun Chakrabarty is a Senior Writer in the Olympic Sports division at EssentiallySports, where he covers track and field, gymnastics, swimming, and other Olympic disciplines. A seasoned journalist with three years at the company, Prasun's extensive knowledge and passion for track and field were evident from day one. With years of connections and research already established, he brought a unique edge to the ES Insights and Trends Desk. He has since become a key voice in the company's Olympic sports coverage. His star coverage includes World Athletics Indoor Championships, USATF Outdoor Championships, and reporting live from the U.S. Marathon Trials. His expertise earned him a special invitation from the Paris City Council to cover lead-up events ahead of the 2024 Olympics. Over time, his stories have sparked real-world impact. His piece on athlete mental toughness drew praise from Texas Volleyball head coach Jerritt Elliott, while a feature on winter sports caught the attention of Olympic champion Lindsey Vonn, who engaged with it publicly. His reporting has made its way into Wikipedia, where editors have cited his work as a trusted source on Olympic sports. Being an alum of the Journalistic Excellence Program (JEP) and an active member of the ES Think Tank, he’s part of the team driving the site’s long-term coverage strategy.

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Bhujaya Ray Chowdhury