In the current 2024-25 NCAA wrestling season, fans have witnessed a ton of action on the mat. Whether it’s a rookie seeking to establish their reputation or a veteran returning to the NCAA mat, both wrestlers have brought much-needed entertainment to the community. On the list of wrestlers who have made a comeback is AJ Ferrari, who not only garnered a lot of anticipation but also faced his fair share of criticism throughout the season.

Indeed, Ferrari’s return wasn’t without its challenges, as many people didn’t want to see him succeed on the mat. But how is he doing in the current season? If you look at the stats, he’s actually doing really well. Surely, he had his problems in the league, but whenever there has been an official match, he has always prevailed over his opponents, proving the critics wrong. And recently, the Roadrunners star has done it again with a new feat in the current NCAA season.

He’s going crazy on the mat

It’s not AJ Ferrari’s first rodeo in the NCAA. He was a champion during his glory days with the Oklahoma Cowboys. However, owing to him missing a few seasons between the current one and the last one, it hasn’t been straightforward for a comeback. But he’s still trying to bring out the best form he got, and he’s doing it in fashion, just like always.

As per the official X account of #71 Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners, Ferrari secured a 10-4 victory over #44 Drexel’s Ibrahim Ameer in the 197 lbs division. Indeed, it was a swift win for the #1 in the division, and with this win, he moved to a 7-0 streak. A feat?

Indeed, the 23-year-old was always a fierce competitor on the mat, but many refuse to acknowledge it, owing to his absence from major events in the current season, like the Cliff Keen Invitational in Las Vegas. But what does Mr. Fast Twitch have to say about his victory and the new NCAA record? Taking to Instagram, Ferrari had nothing but respect for his opponent, stating, “Nothing out but Respect for Ibrahim Ameer @ib_isthe1 He came ready to go to war and gave me his all. He hit me in a dirty duck and that’s the first takedown I’ve gave up of this entire Season.”

Now that’s pure sportsmanship! Indeed, Ferrari is known for his aggressive nature on the mat, but the moment he gets off it, he has nothing but respect for his opponents, even though he has always faced scrutiny from the community. However, apart from being the best on the mat, Ferrari is known for reaching new heights in his physical training.

AJ Ferrari achieving more off the mat

As criticism mounted against him for missing the CKLV event, AJ Ferrari channeled these harsh statements into motivation for his physical training. Indeed, for a wrestler, staying fit is best, but for someone as competitive as the 23-year-old, he wants to excel beyond his physical limitations. 

Recording a gym session, Ferrari posted on Instagram, stating, “New 🚨PR🚨 on Barbell Conventional Deadlift. 6️⃣0️⃣5️⃣ POUNDS🤯 ❌ 5 Reps‼️🏎️💨🇺🇸🇮🇹🦵🏽💪🏽” While he was criticized for his absence in a major event, he wasn’t slacking off; his whole focus was on training.

Indeed, he achieved his new deadlift PR, which is 605 lbs. And that’s a lot! The video shows him roaring with aggression with each rep, performing not just one but five massive reps before slamming down the weights with a scream of excitement. Ferrari is ready for the challenges that life will throw at him, as he has experienced a lot of them before.