“Biggest upset in NCAA history” was the reaction of the commentators to what Wyatt Hendrickson did. He did the unthinkable—taking down the seemingly unbeatable Gable Steveson and etching his name in NCAA history. But that wasn’t the only jaw-dropping moment of the night. As Hendrickson shocked the wrestling world by breaking a 70-match unbeaten streak, former President Donald Trump made a rare exception, staying back just to witness his “big guy” in action. But the question looms: when did their friendship start? Well, Senator Markwayne Mullin dropped a hint on the same.
But beyond the electrifying victory, there was another storyline unfolding—one involving none other than President Donald Trump. As the match approached, Trump, who had initially planned to leave two bouts earlier, made a last-minute decision to stay. The reason? His personal connection with Hendrickson, a graduate of the Air Force Academy and now a wrestling legend.
Appearing on Fox News, Senator Markwayne Mullin shared a fascinating anecdote about Hendrickson and Trump’s friendship. And later shared the story on X, “@POTUS was supposed to leave two matches before @wyatt_hendrick wrestled. He insisted on staying. Then, we all watched history.” What exactly was the incident?
.@POTUS was supposed to leave two matches before @wyatt_hendrick wrestled. He insisted on staying.
Then, we all watched history. #GoPokes #NCAAWrestling pic.twitter.com/jcr3FSij0U
— Markwayne Mullin (@SenMullin) March 23, 2025
Wyatt Hendrickson is the heavyweight wrestler who pulled maybe the largest subset of the NCAA. While talking about the bond, Mullin shared how Wyatt Hendrickson met the president: “President Trump met him three years ago. And Wyatt walked up to him when I was with him and said, ‘Can I get a waiver to fly jets?’ And the president looked at him and said, ‘Sir, I don’t think they make cockpits that big.’ I mean, just a huge individual.” That moment sparked a bond between the two, one that clearly left a lasting impression on the President.
Fast forward to the NCAA Championships, and that camaraderie was on full display. Hendrickson’s match was scheduled to take place after Trump was supposed to leave. But as the former president scanned the lineup, he had a change of heart. “And they actually developed a friendship. So President Trump was supposed to leave two matches before Wyatt wrestled. He said, he looked at me, he said, ‘I can’t leave. I got to watch my big guy.’” In a sea of elite wrestlers, Trump had his eyes set on one.
The President’s presence added even more weight to an already high-stakes showdown. The OSU wrestler, stepped onto the mat to face Steveson—an Olympic gold medalist and a generational talent. Few expected him to pull off the upset, but in a moment of sheer determination and grit, he did just that.
Wyatt Hendrickson from Air Force Cadet to NCAA Giant Slayer
Wyatt Hendrickson’s journey to NCAA glory didn’t follow the typical path of a college wrestling champion. While most top wrestlers train in powerhouse programs, Hendrickson took a different route—one that involved military drills, leadership training, and an unwavering commitment to service. A U.S. Air Force Academy graduate and his dominance in the Air Force program earned him All-American honors twice, but his ultimate goal was to stand atop the NCAA podium.
That dream became a reality in the 285-pound NCAA final, where he pulled off one of the biggest upsets in wrestling history. Gable Steveson, an Olympic gold medalist, and three-time NCAA champion, hadn’t lost a match in college. But Hendrickson stunned the wrestling world with a 5-4 victory, breaking Steveson’s legendary streak.
Steveson struck first with a takedown, but Hendrickson kept his composure, scoring a crucial third-period escape and sealing the win with a last-minute takedown. “This is a dream come true,” Hendrickson said after his historic win. “It’s bigger than worlds, Olympics, anything,” Hendrickson said per AP. With his NCAA title, Hendrickson not only ended Steveson’s reign but also proved he was one of the best heavyweights in the country.
More than just a powerhouse on the mat, he’s a leader molded by Air Force discipline, carrying an edge that few competitors can match. His victory wasn’t just about breaking a streak—it was about perseverance, belief, and proving that unconventional paths can lead to extraordinary success. So, what’s next for Hendrickson? In order to guarantee a spot in the 2028 Olympics, he intends to train with Cowboy RTC in Stillwater, Oklahoma. But one thing is clear—Wyatt Hendrickson’s journey is far from over.
The post Surprising Donald Trump Info Revealed as American President Makes Special Exception for Gable Steveson vs Wyatt Hendrickson appeared first on EssentiallySports.
