“Pure cinema.” That was the bold declaration from the NCAA Wrestling X-handle moments after the epic heavyweight final at the Wells Fargo Center on Saturday night (March 22). It was a clash that was expected to be a mere formality—a coronation, not a competition. On one side stood Gable Steveson, a former Olympic champion, riding a 60+ match winning streak and aiming for his third consecutive NCAA national title. His dominance on the mat was almost mythical. Fans and pundits alike predicted a one-sided spectacle.

But then came Wyatt Hendrickson, the underdog with a heart as big as his biceps. Dubbed ‘Captain America’ for his relentless, all-guts-no-glory style, Hendrickson was the No. 2 seed, still seeking his maiden national championship. On paper, it looked like he was stepping into a storm he couldn’t weather. Yet, in a turn that stunned the wrestling world, Hendrickson did the unthinkable. 

With power, precision, and an iron will, the OSU wrestler defied the odds and toppled the seemingly invincible Steveson. The final seconds saw Hendrickson raising his arms in triumph, the Wells Fargo Center roaring in disbelief. But how did he pull off things?

The Gable Steveson vs Wyatt Hendrickson as it happened

On Saturday night (March 22), the atmosphere at the Wells Fargo Center was nothing short of electric. As the lights dimmed and the crowd roared, Gable Steveson made his grand entrance—a champion’s arrival. Pyrotechnics lit up the arena, framing the former Olympic gold medalist in a fiery spectacle worthy of a man who had conquered almost everything wrestling had to offer. With a 60+ match winning streak this season and two NCAA titles already in his trophy case, Steveson looked every bit the unstoppable force he was billed to be.

In stark contrast, Wyatt Hendrickson made a humble, almost forgettable entrance. No fireworks. No flashy display. Just a determined wrestler walking into the biggest match of his life. But as it turned out, it wasn’t about the entrance—it was about the fight.

When the match began, Steveson wasted no time trying to establish dominance. With his trademark gestures and intimidating aura, he loomed over Hendrickson, exuding the confidence of a man who had seen it all. But Hendrickson was unshaken. The Oklahoma State University wrestler refused to be rattled—mentally or physically. He didn’t flinch. He didn’t backpedal. Instead, he dug in, laser-focused on the match, covering himself with the American flag. Captain America as we said! 

As the bout progressed, it became clear: this wasn’t going to be a coronation—it was going to be a battle. Hendrickson’s defense was touted to be impenetrable, his counterattacks sharp and precise. But today was the day when those features had to face their toughest test. How?

From the very first whistle, Gable Steveson came out with the fury of a man determined to cement his legacy. In round one, he made his presence felt, forcing Wyatt Hendrickson into a 4-2 deficit. The crowd roared as Steveson’s dominance began to show—his Olympic pedigree on full display. It was the kind of early lead that had broken countless opponents before.

That’s a place where hope goes to die. Many wrestlers had been there before, clinging to the faint wish of a miracle—only to watch their dreams suffocate under Steveson’s relentless control. But Hendrickson wasn’t wishing for a miracle. He was creating one. 

Despite being down, David Taylor’s protégé refused to retreat. He wrestled with controlled aggression, matching Steveson’s power with unyielding grit. Each move from the Olympic champ was met with iron resolve. Every counter, a defiant stand. Slowly but surely, Hendrickson clawed his way back into the fight.

By the final moments, the once-unstoppable Steveson found himself on the defensive. With a takedown in the dying 18 seconds, Hendrickson flipped the script, turning the 4-2 deficit into a 5-4 triumph. The crowd erupted. The wrestling world blinked in disbelief. How did David Taylor’s protégé do the unthinkable?

With 18 seconds remaining, gripping a single leg, and swiftly transitioned to a double, sealing the takedown. But deep down there, things were different. It was actually by refusing to let the scoreboard define him. Hendrickson’s miracle didn’t come from luck—it came from courage, composure, and an unshakable belief that legends, no matter how great, could still be brought to their knees.

The final salute 

As the final whistle echoed through the Wells Fargo Center, the crowd roared in awe of what they had just witnessed. Wyatt Hendrickson, the underdog who toppled a titan, stood in triumph. But his greatest moment wasn’t just the 5-4 victory—it was what came next.

With the stars and stripes in his heart, the Air Force second lieutenant walked toward the sidelines, where former POTUS Donald Trump stood waiting. Without hesitation, Hendrickson snapped into a crisp salute, a display of respect and patriotism as powerful as his performance on the mat.

In return, Trump wrapped him in a heartfelt hug, leaning in to say, “I’m very proud of you.” The words were simple, but the moment was profound—a recognition of grit, courage, and the unyielding spirit of Captain America.