Comments and challenges are common catalysts for rivalries in the fast-paced realm of professional wrestling. Recently, well-known dramatist Chael Sonnen tried to start a rivalry between the wrestlers Carter Starocci and AJ Ferrari. He had one clear goal: to generate curiosity about a possible fight between two of the sport’s up-and-coming talents. But AJ Ferrari seemed to have changed his persona after his disgraceful gesture to the opponent at the Soldier Salute tournament landed him in immense trouble. He responded in a way that wasn’t the expected ferocious exchange. That meant Sonnen had to face disappointment here!
In the live call-in section on “FloWrestling,” Sonnen did not hesitate to go right to the point. As the cameras began to roll and the crowd grew eager, he asked Ferrari, “Could he beat Starocci?” There was an actual feeling of suspense as Sonnen aimed to elicit a reaction that would ignite an intense battle between the two competitors. But how did Ferrari subdue that?
The podcast of “@FloWrestling” shared thoughts on the episode, “FRL1,026 – Chael Sonnen Rants On David Taylor, Starocci – Ferrari, & More“. In a live call, the Big 12 Conference champ, AJ Ferrari said about Carter Starocci, “He’s a big kid. He’s tough. He’s one of the best wrestlers ever. I have a lot of respect for him. You know? At the end of the day, he’s a great opponent. I would love to wrestle him.” Sonnen tried to get Ferrari to react. But the wrestler handled it with a surprising level of class and sportsmanship.
Instead of slandering the 4x NCAA Division I National champion, Carter Starocci of a possible rivalry, Ferrari showed respect for his fellow competitor. AJ Ferrari continued, “I respect Carter Starocci a lot as one of the best ever. And it was it would be an honor to wrestle him at 197 lbs…That would be an amazing dual setting. That would be awesome. Thousands of people. And nothing but respect for Starocci.”
Sonnen tried his hardest to start a rivalry, but Ferrari’s sincere admiration for Starocci’s skill created a distinct atmosphere throughout the exchange. That made Sonnen say, “That’s very beautiful. I was trying to get a little something going. But I am sure you heard the rumor. He was talking about maybe going 97 and Christian Pyle and I got going back and forth about, him versus Ferrari. So I was trying to make something cool here.”
Nevertheless, in a place where competition is intense, Sonnen’s attempt to build a feud between Carter Starocci and AJ Ferrari eventually failed. Despite that, there is no scarcity of excitement. Although AJ avoided any verbal feud this time, he himself had teased it a few days back.
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Whispers of a clash featuring AJ Ferrari and Carter Starocci
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Carter Starocci is back at Penn State for another year under coach Cael Sanderson after a lackluster showing at the US Wrestling Trials. Meanwhile, the possibility of Ferrari joining Iowa State in the 197-pound weight class is also in the air. In such a scenario, Ferrari’s Instagram story and a post by Wrestler Grind sparked a lot of discussion regarding the possible battle between the two. The post’s caption, “Just imagine… 2025 197 lbs NCAA Finals,” sent wrestling fanatics into a frenzy.
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Starocci has performed well in the 174-pound weight class, but there are reports that he might advance to face 4x NCAA champion Ferrari. Rumors about Ferrari, perhaps moving to Iowa, have intensified after the 285-pound Ben Kueter was included in a recent photo that Ferrari posted from the Hawkeyes’ gym. Ferrari’s addition to the Iowa roster may have substantial effects. Whether Starocci will wrestle in a higher weight class for the final time with the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club is still up in the air. The wrestling community is excited about the possible clashes and results as they progress.
