David Taylor’s Shocking Loss at Olympic Trials Leads to Debate Over His Wrestling Return: “Didn’t Even Think”

It wasn’t just David Taylor who knew he had the tickets to Paris in his back pocket. Even his fans were sure that the Magic Man would once again bear the USA’s flag on the grandest stage come July, especially given the circumstances. Defeating Taylor in Penn State takes a special wrestler, unless the person is also an NLWC-bred star, and Taylor’s adversary proved to be too dominating for him at the Bryce Jordan Center last weekend.

Aaron Brooks emerging as the winner of the 86kg weight class wasn’t on the table for most Penn State fans as they way to the Penn State arena for the US Olympic Wrestling Trials on April 20. However, with two straight matches won, Cael Sanderson’s student proved exactly what makes him a force to be reckoned with and fans can’t stop speculating about what comes next for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Taylor.

David Taylor to make a hard decision?

A recent post by Justin Basch on X claims that the former Penn State wrestler might be staring at the end of the line of his wrestling career. Reminding everyone that Taylor has tasted the highest of honors, the post states that Taylor could easily hang his boots for good. “David Taylor has accomplished absolutely everything you can in the sport of wrestling.“, announces Basch’s post.

The post also highlights what awaited Taylor should he defend his gold medal in Paris later this year, and compares it to the payment he’d get even if he won this year’s World Championships in the 92kg weight class. “If he would’ve repeated as Olympic Champ, he stood to get a 500k payout from the Living the Dream Medal Fund. That’s 10x what he’d get if he went up to 92kg to win a World Gold later this year.“, elaborates the post.

“Personally, I don’t think we ever DT on a mat again.“, comments the post. The speculation most probably comes from witnessing the dominant display of Brooks against Taylor at Penn State last weekend. The reigning NCAA champ crushed David’s hopes with 3-1 and 4-1 wins in two back-to-back matches. However, not everyone thinks that’s an immediate possibility.

Fans not on board with the thought

Since the post went online, fans have come together with their takes on the matter. Ben said Taylor would definitely make his intentions clear after losing, especially with him being at the perfect place to announce his retirement, unless even he was shocked by the result. “I feel like he would have left his shoes on mat especially since it was at Penn State. Unless he like didn’t even think of the possibility of losing“, commented the fan.

Robert also seemed to be saddened by the possibility and claimed that if it wasn’t for David, he wouldn’t find an inkling of wrestling altogether. “Without him, I never join the sport of wrestling. His style changed how I viewed it. He is the creator of “have fun & just score points,” read his comment.

Citing the instance of Bo Nickal, Scott thinks a career in MMA wouldn’t be too far-fetched for Taylor, especially with him expressing wishes to face Jordan Burroughs in the octagon. “He’s challenged Burroughs to a fight in BJJ or MMA in the past … I wouldn’t be shocked if he at least trains in mma for a bit to see if he could transition as efficiently as Nickal has“, said the fan, even though MMA icon Daniel Cormier thinks Taylor would do better sticking to wrestling for now.

Keith believes a more grand send-off should come Taylor’s way. “I hope he does like 1 more match at something like Beat the Streets and then hangs them up so he can get that final big cheer“, commented Keith, hoping that Taylor’s exit doesn’t happen without an iota of celebrating his achievements.

Another fan seems to be finding it difficult just to think of seeing Taylor bidding goodbye to the mat. “Painful to read ser“, reflects the emotions of millions of fans around the country.

What do you think Taylor will do in the coming months? Share your predictions with us in the comments!