AJ Ferrari had plenty to reflect on as the 2025 NCAA wrestling season wrapped up. The California State Bakersfield standout secured a bronze medal and All-American honors at the championships. “I want to wrestle, you know, for a couple years. 120 kg for the Los Angeles Olympics is my goal, and I want to fight, you know—that’s my goal, and I love this,” Ferrari said, proudly calling himself an entertainer who simply loves to wrestle.
However, his dominance took a hit when he faced Iowa State legend Stephen Buchanan. Buchanan defeated Ferrari 3-0, adding another impressive victory to his remarkable 39-match winning streak. It was a highly anticipated showdown, but Ferrari ultimately finished ranked No. 3. Despite the setback, Ferrari remained unfazed, handling the loss with grace. What stood out even more? The unexpected support from fans who had once trolled him.
Collegiate wrestling journalist Nick Kosko took to X, calling Ferrari a “fascinating individual” after the wrestler addressed the media, reflecting on his emotions after the defeat. Kosko noted how the same fans who once ridiculed Ferrari were now rallying behind him. “There’s no doubt he’s a showman for @CSUBWrestling,” Kosko added.
AJ Ferrari is one fascinating individual. Finished 3rd at 197 this year. The 2021 NCAA champ has a couple of years left. There’s no doubt he’s a showman for @CSUBWrestling. @mrfasttwitch @On3sports x #On3Wrestling pic.twitter.com/FaqwfkHeUv
— Nick Kosko (@nickkosko59) March 22, 2025
Social media can be a brutal space, often driven by negativity. Ferrari admitted he was hurt by the backlash, sharing that fans had once called him names like ‘racist monk.’ He described it as “feeding their flesh”—people projecting anger without understanding. But instead of retaliating, Ferrari emphasized responding to negativity with grace.
And then, on the biggest day of his season, the magic happened. With his headphones on, he walked out—only to see the same people who had once mocked him now standing by his side, cheering him on in his lowest moment. Reflecting on the experience, Ferrari shared a heartfelt message rooted in faith: “It’s like those people are feeding their flesh to people who can’t respond to people with evil. Even if the fans I lost today walk away, to see composure, you know, and respond to evil with good and with righteousness and with God’s strength and God’s word.”
Good and righteousness—that was his answer.
AJ Ferrari rises amidst the defeat and trolls
The support Ferrari received after his loss wasn’t just limited to Bakersfield. Fans from across the country—and even Iowa supporters who had watched Buchanan defeat him—showed their respect. It was proof that Ferrari’s impact went far beyond wins and losses. After all, true champions are made in moments like these.
Even wrestling legend Jordan Burroughs, a 6-time world champion, reflected on Ferrari’s powerful message. “AJ Ferrari. Beautiful closing interview,” Burroughs expressed, praising the grace and composure Ferrari displayed despite the disappointment. His words seemed to highlight how athletes should respond to setbacks and trolls—with maturity and resilience.
What stood out most, beyond the competition, was Ferrari’s growth and composure. He went from being trolled by fans to earning their admiration—a transformation that speaks volumes. His record backs up his talent, but it’s his character that has earned him lasting respect. Though Ferrari ended the 2025 NCAA Championships with a semifinal loss, his journey is far from over. He is now a symbol of power, resilience, and grit. After all, true champions aren’t just defined by victories—they’re defined by how they rise in the face of adversity.
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