It started like any other Final X showdown, but it ended in fireworks. On June 14, 2025, at the Prudential Center in Newark, all eyes were on the 92kg series between NC State’s powerhouse Trent Hidlay and Penn State’s young phenom Josh Barr. What do we have? A sweep, a staredown, and a whole lot of controversy. Hidlay took both matches and officially punched his ticket to represent Team USA at the World Championships. But the buzz wasn’t just about his wrestling.
In Match 1, Trent Hidlay came out with intensity, using powerful underhooks and strong positioning to control the action. He scored takedowns, earned step-out points, and limited Barr’s scoring chances, dominantly winning 6–1. In Match 2, things were tighter. Barr adjusted and fought hard, but Hidlay managed to edge him out 3–2. That sweep earned Hidlay the best-of-three series victory. But the wrestling itself wasn’t the only thing that got people talking.
With just seconds left in Match 2, things got heated. Trent Hidlay, moments away from victory, clapped hard right in Barr’s face, then pounded his chest and shouted in triumph. The crowd exploded, but so did social media. Some fans were hyped by the intensity. Others? Not so much. Tweets called it “unnecessary,” “unsportsmanlike,” and even “WWE-level over the top.” For many, it crossed a line. Things got even more tense after the final whistle. Then came the handshake moment, or lack of one.
Grateful for the opportunity to compete today at Final X. I did not intend to avoid shaking hands with my opponent. I was upset and acted on emotion. Hopefully I can improve upon this and become a better man. I look forward to getting back to work!
— Josh Barr (@barr1josh) June 14, 2025
As is traditional in wrestling, athletes usually shake hands after a match. But Josh Barr walked straight off the mat without shaking Hidlay’s hand. That move stirred even more debate. Fans were quick to call it poor sportsmanship, especially from a young athlete on the national stage. And then on June 15th, Barr issued a public apology.
“Grateful for the opportunity to compete today at Final X. I did not intend to avoid shaking hands with my opponent. I was upset and acted on emotion. Hopefully I can improve upon this and become a better man. I look forward to getting back to work!” These were Barr’s words on X.
Love it or hate it, one thing’s for sure: Final X didn’t just crown a Team USA member, it gave fans a moment they’ll be debating all summer. But here’s the big question… Does losing to Trent Hidlay mean Josh Barr’s journey is over? Well… not exactly.
Josh Barr falls short, but Trent Hidlay now faces the World’s elite
Despite falling short at Final X, Josh Barr still earned a spot on the U.S. National Team by finishing as runner-up to Trent Hidlay at 92kg. While this puts him among the country’s elite and may open doors to international tournaments, it does not guarantee a place at the 2025 World Championships. The main path to Worlds is winning Final X, which Barr didn’t. Unless Hidlay withdraws due to injury or other rare circumstances, Barr will have to wait until next year’s trials for another shot at the world stage. Now, with Barr out and Hidlay locked in, the big question becomes: can Trent Hidlay bring home a world title?
He’ll have his hands full when the 2025 World Championships head to Zagreb, Croatia (September 13–21). The 92kg division is stacked with talent. The biggest threat is Abdulrashid Sadulaev, a six-time world/Olympic champion from Russia competing as a neutral athlete. If healthy, Sadulaev is considered untouchable. Right behind him is Miriani Maisuradze of Georgia, ranked No. 1 in the world, who thrives in the same underhook-heavy style as Hidlay. Kamran Ghasempour of Iran, a two-time world champ who recently went 28–0 in a ranking series, also looms large.
Other serious contenders include Batyrbek Tsakulov (Slovakia), a world bronze medalist who knows how to grind out tight matches, and Benjamin Honis (Italy), a rising force with strong UWW ranking points. Watch out too for Feyzullah Aktürk (Turkey), a three-time European champ known for wild scrambles, and Alan Bagaev, Sadulaev’s Russian rival, who could enter if Russia secures an extra neutral slot. For Trent Hidlay to win gold, he’ll likely have to beat at least two of these giants, no easy feat, but if his Final X fire carries over, he might just shake things up on the world stage.
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