The words echoed through the arena and resonated with wrestling fans everywhere: “Wyatt Hendrickson just beat Gable Steveson!”
Daniel Cormier`s passionate declaration of this historic moment at the NCAA wrestling championships instantly became legendary. For Wyatt Hendrickson, the victor himself, and countless others, that call perfectly captured the magnitude of the upset.
Hendrickson, reflecting on the moment, shared his awe of Cormier`s commentary. “Every time I watch the replay and hear DC`s call, I jump out of my seat as if I`m seeing it for the first time,” he told MMA Junkie. “The excitement and goosebumps rush back every single time. His commentary was simply outstanding. Hearing him shout, `Wyatt Hendrickson just beat Gable Steveson!` over and over – that moment will be etched in my mind forever.”
However, Hendrickson emphasized that being in the Wells Fargo Center on March 23rd, experiencing the energy firsthand, was unparalleled. He described the feeling as surreal, almost beyond words.
“It was truly unreal,” Hendrickson explained. “As soon as the final buzzer sounded and the reality of the win set in, it was like stepping into another world. It reminded me of scenes from movies like `Creed,` where in the heat of battle, it`s just you and your opponent in the ring. Everything else fades away, and you are completely focused, locked in the moment.”
Hendrickson, a fifth-year senior representing Oklahoma State University after transferring from the U.S. Air Force Academy`s World Class Athlete Program, entered the match as the No. 2 seed but was considered a significant underdog against Steveson.
Steveson, an Olympic gold medalist, boasted an undefeated 18-0 season and an impressive 103-2 NCAA career record leading up to their clash.
Despite the pressure and Steveson`s formidable reputation, Hendrickson remained unfazed, especially with the presence of Donald Trump mat-side. He recounted the decisive takedown in the final seconds, saying, “It felt like slow motion, but I knew I had to seize that opportunity. It was my one chance, and I had to make it count. Even as fatigue set in, my confidence remained strong. I was determined to get that takedown, fueled by sheer desire and heart.”
Back in Stillwater, Oklahoma, Hendrickson is already focused on the future, with the 2028 Summer Olympics on the horizon. He`s back in training, driven by the pursuit of more gold.
“This victory was a major milestone, a thrilling achievement, but it`s not a time to relax,” Hendrickson stated. “The hard work continues. There`s always room for improvement, and I`m eager to refine every aspect of my wrestling. I`m still hungry, still driven. This win was great, but I`m not content yet. I have more goals to achieve.”
Looking beyond his wrestling career, Hendrickson is committed to serving in the Air Force for at least five years. The possibility of transitioning to MMA remains open, though he acknowledges the challenges. “MMA is an exciting prospect, and I have immense respect for fighters,” Hendrickson noted. “However, my hand-to-hand combat experience is primarily in wrestling. Becoming a successful MMA fighter would require significant development. It`s a tough transition, and getting punched in the head isn`t particularly appealing. If I consider it, it will be when I`m confident in my ability to defend myself effectively. Maybe in the future, we`ll see.”
