Carter Starocci is standing on the brink of wrestling history, and he’s making it clear—this moment is all his. The Penn State powerhouse, who dominates the 174 lbs category, has already left his mark with moves that are nothing short of legendary. At just 23, he’s bagged two Big Ten Championship golds and even tossed in a silver from 2021 for good measure. But it’s his NCAA Division I dominance that really seals his legacy.

For the past four years, Starocci has ruled the 174 lbs division like a king on his throne, racking up four straight NCAA titles. Now, with an extra season under his belt (thanks, COVID!), he’s gunning for an unprecedented fifth title—something no one has ever done. And in case there was any doubt, Starocci’s already fired a warning shot toward his competition, including AJ Ferrari, making it crystal clear: he’s here for history, not to share the spotlight!

Carter Starocci unfazed by the impending AJ Ferrari threat

AJ Ferrari has announced his return to the Cal State Bakersfield wrestling team this year. Ferrari, who won the NCAA title as a true Oklahoma State freshman, took some time off from wrestling. In his absence, the emergence of Carter Starocci has amazed everyone, and now the wrestling fans are buzzing with excitement. But despite being touted as the possible spoilsport to Starocci’s party, the 4x NCAA champion seems unfazed. 

Taking a dig at Ferrari earlier for struggling to find a team for the 2024-25 season, Starocci launched yet another vicious attack on AJ. Taking to his Instagram, the 23-year-old elaborated on his plans before kicking off his season. He said, “Been focused on training, recovery, and business recently.” Starocci then went on to launch a scathing verbal attack on AJ Ferrari while hinting at a possible move up in the weight category. 

Stating that AJ Ferrari is well past his prime, Starocci mentioned, “Another has been NCAA champ that needs added to my collection All Star classic. It’s at Penn State this year because they want the king showing out again. Just notify the city district so the youth can stay a safe distance away. I’ll go up in weight just to bend you over in front of the world.” He also laid down the conditions for their potential matchup. Starocci said that stipulations would include a ‘winner takes all’ clause. He also mentioned that the duo would further put $300k each at stake, the winner taking the entire bounty. 

The wrestler also teased Ferrari saying that if he loses the match, he will have to make a tattoo on his chest reading, “Starocci is my NATTY DADDY” Well, while these are some bold claims from the 4x NCAA Champion, the fans seemed to be enjoying every bit of the rivalry.

Fans have a field day as tensions brew between Starocci and AJ Ferrari

The fans came up with mixed reactions in the comment section of Carter Starocci. Referring to Carter Starocci’s bold and direct challenge to AJ Ferrari, as he mocks Ferrari as past his prime and lays down extreme stakes for a potential match, one fan commented, “This has to be one of the greatest callouts of all time lmao”. Starocci proposed a high-risk, winner-takes-all bout, with $300,000 on the line. Besides that, he stated a condition for Ferrari to tattoo “Starocci is my NATTY DADDY” if he loses. The fan sees this as one of the greatest callouts because of Starocci’s unapologetic confidence and unfiltered words.

One fan remarked, “Ferrari would be pissed if he could read” hinting at the fact that AJ Ferrari might be unaware of Carter Starocci’s harsh remarks. Given the unapologetic nature of Starocci’s verbal attack, including taunting Ferrari as being past his prime and proposing extreme match stipulations, the fan’s comment mocks Ferrari by implying that he wouldn’t be able to comprehend Starocci’s insults. The fan tried adding a playful jab to the ongoing rivalry between the two wrestlers.

Another Instagram user reflected doubts on Starocci’s willingness to move up to the 197 lbs weight class, as Starocci hinted in his callout of AJ Ferrari. The fan challenged his credibility, implying that Starocci might be hesitant or “scared” to follow through on the move. He wrote, “Why won’t you go up to 197 like you said, scared.”

In the context of his rivalry with AJ Ferrari, Starocci’s unfiltered trash talk, including the confident challenges, high-stakes stipulations, and taunts, embodies a larger-than-life, brash wrestling character. Several fans liked his unspoken and unfiltered character. Highlighting the same emotion, one netizen commented, “This is easily my favourite character.”

Another comment referred to the unexpected but intense rivalry between Carter Starocci and AJ Ferrari, two top-tier wrestlers in NCAA history. While Starocci has dominated the 174 lbs category with four consecutive NCAA titles, Ferrari, a former champion returning to the sport, poses a renewed challenge.

The user wrote, “The rivalry no one expected but needed”. Starocci’s bold callouts and proposing a high-stakes match, have ignited excitement in the wrestling community.  Thus, with the battle lines being drawn, it now remains to be seen who among the two ends up on the triumphant side of things.