For anyone who follows collegiate wrestling, the names Trent and Hayden Hidlay instantly bring to mind a powerful duo. These brothers, both standouts from North Carolina State University, haven’t just had impressive careers on the mat; they’ve redefined what it means to be a dominant force in the sport. Trent, a four-time NCAA Division I All-American, has been an absolute powerhouse at 86 kilograms. He’s snagged four ACC Conference titles and battled his way to the NCAA Division I finals twice. Not to be outdone, Hayden has been the rock of the Wolfpack, known for his relentless drive and sharp tactical mind. Their journeys are a testament to their dedication and fierce competitive spirit, not only elevating their individual status but also cementing their legacy in wrestling history. But, apart from the competition, what’s the spark that brings them closer?
Well, beyond the bright lights of competition, there’s a deep brotherly bond that fuels their incredible drive. The Hidlay brothers’ relationship is a fascinating mix of camaraderie and rivalry, a dynamic that truly comes alive in their training sessions. This sibling rivalry, far from creating division, actually pushes them both to new heights. You see it in their grueling drills, where they test each other’s limits. It’s in these moments, away from the roaring crowds, that their true competitive spirits shine, with each session adding another chapter to their ongoing story of excellence. So, how does this unique rivalry shape their approach to wrestling, and what particular challenges does it throw their way?
Trent recently shared a hilarious yet frustrating anecdote about a particularly intense training drill with Hayden. Laughing as he recounted it, Trent set the scene: “So it was one partner was up against the wall, right? I was just standing up against the wall and the other partner was kind of in double with like your shoulder and their stomach and you had to keep them there as long as you could.”
“Hardcore” Trent Hidlay would try to fight his brother Hayden but Hayden would never punch him back lol @hoagieboyhidlay @Hidlaymania @MarkSBader #TheBaderShow pic.twitter.com/xzQbJibORB
— FloWrestling (@FloWrestling) May 30, 2025
Trent was first against the wall, and it quickly turned into a battle of endurance. “I just kind of sprawl, to get off of it,” he explained, but Hayden’s grip was unyielding. “He kept me there for like six minutes straight,” Trent recalled, a hint of lingering frustration in his voice. Those six minutes were a true testament to Hayden’s control, as Trent fought “tooth and nail to get off.” But What does this drill reveal about their individual styles and their unique relationship?
The frustration hit its peak when Trent tried to escalate the confrontation. “I just started like just trying to just wait on to get out of it,” he admitted, but Hayden’s response was anything but expected. “The thing that was so frustrating about him, too, is he was, like, never punch back,” Trent chuckled.
Instead, Hayden took a different route: “He would just like, beat me up. I would try to punch him. He would like tackle me, take me down, and then I’d still try to like punch him and I just, I would never get that like reaction where he would like just punch me in the face.” Hayden’s message was loud and clear: “No, I’m just going to keep kicking your ass and you can try how funny as much as you want.”
This drill, humorous now in retrospect, truly highlights the intensity of their training and the unique challenges they constantly pose to each other. How does such a drill prepare them for the rigors of competition, and what does it reveal about their mental fortitude?
Trent Hidlay Will Be Competing for a Spot on the Senior World Team at Final X
The wrestling community is buzzing with anticipation as Trent Hidlay prepares for a crucial challenge. He’s coming off an incredible, undefeated performance at the 2025 Senior Pan American Championships, where his dominance was undeniable. He racked up three technical falls and even a forfeit, capping it all off with a dominant 10-0 victory over Mexico’s Miguel Lavielle Ramirez in the final. This showing not only highlighted his exceptional skill but also his readiness for what lies ahead.
As a recent 2025 U.S. Senior Open champion, Hidlay’s journey now takes him to Final X at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., on June 14th. This is the big one: his chance to earn a spot on the prestigious Senior World Team.
The success of the entire U.S. men’s freestyle team at the Pan American Championships adds to the excitement. Alongside fellow gold medalists Evan Wick (79 kg), Justin Rademacher (97 kg), and Wyatt Hendrickson (125 kg), Hidlay contributed to a haul of seven medals, including four championships, helping the team secure the overall title. This collective triumph underscores the immense talent within American wrestling. Given Hidlay’s technical prowess and strategic mind, he’s undoubtedly a formidable contender. The key question now is how his recent achievements will translate to the intensity of Final X and what that means for his world team aspirations.
The post Trent Hidlay Airs Frustrations as American Star Voices Thoughts Over Fighting His Own Brother appeared first on EssentiallySports.
