The 2026 USA Wrestling Final X in Newark, New Jersey, became a landmark event for the sport, as six of the 16 wrestle-offs required a third and deciding match to determine the participants for the senior world team. Despite three series being delayed and one occurring a week earlier, the action was nonstop. Thousands of fans packed the Prudential Center, and millions more tuned in online via FloWrestling to witness the electrifying showdowns and edge-of-the-seat moments.
Rivalries and Records
The battle between Marcus Blaze and Jax Forrest at 61kg was a prime example of what makes Final X special. The two emerging stars, both with histories of going toe-to-toe in youth and collegiate matches, continued their rivalry in the senior ranks. Their three-match series was a back-and-forth thriller that showcased their skill and determination. Blaze secured the victory with a 5-2 decision in the final bout. While the cumulative score of 8-10 slightly favored Forrest, the real takeaway was the promise of a long-term rivalry between the two athletes.
James Green proved that experience and resilience still matter at 74kg. After taking a year off the mat and undergoing hip surgery, the two-time world medalist was expected to struggle. But Green defied expectations, pulling off a gritty 4-1 victory in the final match. This win marks his eighth senior world team appearance, a testament to his enduring legacy. Rumors suggest he may be returning to Penn State as an assistant coach, but for now, Green’s presence on the mat remains a force to be reckoned with.
Experience vs. Youth
At 86kg, the contrast between youth and experience was once again a central theme. Kyle Dake, a two-time Olympic medalist, secured a 4-0 win in the third match to clinch the series. His ability to perform under pressure is nothing short of extraordinary. Dake, known for his mental toughness and technical mastery, continues to redefine what it means to compete at the top level for over a decade.
Kyle Snyder kept his legacy alive at 97kg, winning his twelfth consecutive spot on a senior world or Olympic team. His three-match series against Stephen Buchanan was a nail-biter. Buchanan earned the first domestic loss against Snyder in a decade, dating back to the 2016 Team Trials, but it was not enough to unseat the 97kg juggernaut. Snyder’s dominance in the final bout, ending with a 4-0 win, once again highlighted why he is considered one of the most consistent and formidable wrestlers in the U.S.
The youngest standout of the night came from 50kg, where Morgan Turner, just weeks removed from high school graduation, made a name for herself. The Chicago native defeated Katie Gomez in a three-match series that showcased her explosive potential and composure under pressure. Turner’s decisive 8-3 victory in the final match earned her a world team spot. Her success is especially meaningful because she will now train alongside Helen Maroulis, who has been a personal inspiration since the start of her wrestling journey.
At 62kg, the series between Adaugo Nwachukwu and Macey Kilty was nothing short of a rollercoaster. After being pinned in the first match, Kilty bounced back with a 4-0 shutout in match two. The back-and-forth nature of the series left the crowd breathless and reminded everyone why Final X is the most exciting night in U.S. wrestling.
Outside the three-match series, the event also saw dramatic comebacks and classic rivalries reignited. Spencer Lee, a Paris Olympic silver medalist, secured revenge on Luke Lilledahl, whom he had lost to in the US Open finals in a two-match series. Lee’s performance marked his return to the senior world team for the second consecutive year. Another standout was Zain Retherford, who made his sixth senior world or Olympic team appearance. The Penn State star defeated Ridge Lovett in the 65kg series, continuing his legacy as one of the most decorated wrestlers in U.S. history.
The 2026 Final X was more than just a competition—it was a celebration of talent, tradition, and the deep well of potential within Team USA wrestling. With six three-match series and a record number of close, action-packed bouts, the event reaffirmed its status as the premier showcase of U.S. wrestling. From rising stars to seasoned veterans, the night proved once again why no other tournament captures the spirit of the sport quite like Final X.