For wrestling fans, few names resonate, one among them is Yianni Diakomihalis. The 26-year-old Cornell alum is a four-time NCAA Division I champion, a four-time EIWA champion, and the 2022 World silver medalist at 65 kilograms in freestyle wrestling. With a staggering 115-2 collegiate record, Yianni has cemented himself as one of the sport’s all-time greats. But he’s had to deal with nine surgeries in just under eight years, including a torn ACL suffered mid-season in 2018—a devastating injury that normally sidelines wrestlers for months. But the Rochester, New York native made a triumphant return at the US Open by defeating James Green. He will now be looking to further quash any lingering questions about his health at Final X. And a potential blockbuster matchup is already generating buzz.
The wrestling world is abuzz with talk of Yianni facing PJ Duke, a top recruit from the class of 2025 who committed to Penn State in 2023. Duke, hailing from Minisink Valley High School in New York, is no stranger to the spotlight. He’s FloWrestling’s top-ranked recruit in America, a two-time Super 32 champion, and the youngest wrestler to ever win a New York state championship, claiming the 138-pound title as a freshman. With such a big hype about a potential matchup between the two, Yianni shared his thoughts on the young phenom recently.
In a podcast clip shared by Justin Basch on X, Yianni opened up about the possibility of facing Duke, revealing a personal connection that spans over a decade. How does Yianni view this rising star he’s known since childhood? Reflecting on Duke, Yianni’s tone is a mix of nostalgia and respect. “I remember when P.J was like, seven at the New York State Tournament… he came out, and he wrestled for this kid’s club. I think they’re a different name now, but they used to be called Iowa Style,” Yianni recalled. “And he had like his little head gear, like, he was seven years old. He was just jacked when he was seven as he is now. And he came out and he like, angry and walked out there.” Yianni also noted a personal tie, adding, “And you know, he’s very close, or at least, like, when they were younger, he was close to my younger brother, Elijah.”
Yianni D vs PJ Duke soon?
Full show: https://t.co/cCT6hcSxC8 pic.twitter.com/BRcdYRuhwo
— Justin Basch (@JustinJBasch) April 30, 2025
The age gap adds a surreal layer—Yianni was 15 when PJ was 8, and now they could meet in a high-stakes setting like Final X. “I could wrestle him in Final X. I could also wrestle P.J., who, when I was 15, he was, like, eight. That’s crazy,” Yianni said with a laugh. But beyond the nostalgia, Yianni knows Duke is a real threat. “And it’s funny, because I’m like, man, like, he’s actually, he’s very good,” he admitted. “I mean, I’m going to say that he is gonna attack me sometimes.” How will Yianni’s experience stack up against Duke’s youthful aggression as he navigates his comeback?
Well, Yianni’s a dynamic, high-paced wrestler with elite scrambling ability and relentless attacks and his creative offense will keep fans on edge. PJ Duke, the rising phenom, blends explosive power with slick technique, showcasing aggressive takedowns and top-tier chain wrestling abilities. Fans can expect a thrilling clash of Yianni’s unorthodox creativity vs. Duke’s explosive, methodical pressure—nonstop action with big moves at every turn.
Also, for wrestling fans, this matchup represents a classic generational clash—a young veteran returning from injury against a prodigy on the rise. As Yianni prepares for this potential showdown, his reflections offer a glimpse into the mindset of a champion facing the next generation. And his recent dominant performance at the 2025 US Open he is ready for the showdown.
After Injury, Diakomihalis Dominates to Claim the Final X Spot
Yianni Diakomihalis is back, and he’s better than ever. That injury sidelined him for months, and he also faced a disrupted 2020–2021 season when the Ivy League canceled winter sports due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But for a four-time NCAA champion, adversity is just another opponent to conquer. Recently, Yianni made a triumphant return, dominating his way to a spot in Final X. Yianni Diakimohalis secured his fourth trip to Final X. At 70 kg in the 2025 U.S. Open finals, Yianni Diakomihalis—a 2022 World silver medalist—faced off against two-time World medalist James Green.
This time, Yianni controlled the pace early and broke open a tight 2-2 match late, scoring two decisive takedowns in the final minute to win 8-2. Green, a seven-time U.S. World Team member at this weight, pushed the action, but Diakomihalis’ elite scrambling and clutch finishes secured his first U.S. Open title since 2019, proving his dominance in his new weight class. Proving his current durability is firmly in the rearview mirror now. His path to Final X included victories over top domestic talent, a testament to his resilience and skill. For wrestling fans, this comeback is a reminder of why Yianni is a four-time EIWA Top Wrestler and a finalist for the Dan Hodge Trophy. What will he bring to the mat when he faces the one of the most talented young wrestlers in PJ Duke? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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