Can a champion’s crown lose its shine? Wrestling sensation AJ Ferrari, a 197-pound NCAA star, could not nab the no.1 ranking. Ferrari recently made headlines with a victory over Nick Stemmet, freestyle wrestling champion, with a score of 5-0, but was still left behind in the rankings. Which ranking, you may ask?

NCAA week one ranking has been released by FloWrestling, and as per them, AJ Ferrari secured 4th rank in the list. Ferrari’s ranking sparked a season-opening conversation: what does it take to stay on top? Also, who are the top wrestlers according to their list?

Why isn’t AJ Ferrari ranked No. 1?

AJ Ferrari, despite being the only national champion in the 197-pound NCAA wrestling category, is ranked fourth, a placement that has stirred up considerable debate. A video has been posted on X by the official page of FloWrestling, it says, “I want to address why is AJ Ferrari not number one at 197 pounds. He is the only guy in the field who’s national champion, but we have him ranked number four.” Ferrari’s strong status makes him a contender to be on top, but it seemed a bit difficult as others have maintained their positions very well.

Stating the reason, the anchor said, “There’s a lot of discussion, talk, arguments that myself and JD have had with Christian. Christian thinks he should be number one. There’s an argument for that. I think it’s wrong. But AJ has missed three straight NCAA tournaments. That is really unprecedented.” Previously, AJ Ferrari faced many legal issues and a subsequent dismissal from OSU. However, that’s not all. In 2022, he met with a car accident about three miles east of Perkins on State Highway 33 and suffered several injuries that led him to stay away from wrestling.

If Ferrari is in 4th rank, then who are the top 3? The top three rank holders are- Stephen Buchanan, Jacob Cardenas, and Rocky Elam. Stating the reason behind their selection as top 3, the anchor mentioned, “And we just think it does a disservice to the rest of the wrestlers in the field who have been competing, who have been putting on the line and have competed at NCAA tournaments the last three years. So guys like Buchanan, Cardenas, and Rocky Elam, they’ve all had really good seasons. They’re ranked ahead of AJ right now.”

Their consistency over the seasons has earned them higher spots. Buchanan has a career record of 86-25 and won a consolation final as the No. 8 seed. Cardenas has set a 71-22 record in three years of NCAA experience and also claimed two All-American honors. Elam is also ahead of Ferrari and set a career record of 69-17, and is looking to become Missouri’s first five-time All-American. 

To claim the top position, Albert James Ferrari has to defeat all the top-ranked competitors. Victories against top seasoned wrestlers like Jacob Cardenas, and Rocky Elam will prove that Mr. Fast Twitch has full potential and he can reach the top despite having a career gap. Such wins would demonstrate Ferrari’s readiness to face the best, strengthening his claim to the No. 1 spot.

A look back at AJ Ferrari

AJ Ferrari could not have topped the NCAA rankings by FloWrestling, but does that mean he could never be on top? Well, seeing Ferrari’s recent boastful victory and past achievements like gold at the NCAA Division Championship, Big 12 Championship, and many others might be shocking for fans. But the truth is, you have to keep going to stay on top, like other top three contenders. 

Ferrari has made his strong comeback after his injuries and legal issues and will be fighting for California State University, Bakersfield. Ferrari may have struggled in the past but he has proved his worth and won his recent bout against Nick Stemmet.

The rivalry between Ferrari and Stemmet was even seen when Stemmet publicly challenged him and wrote, “When I win you are banned from emojis for LIFE and you have to change your handle to @mrslowtwitch.” Such rivalries in wrestling or other sports mark the beginning of a tough showdown. With this, wrestling fans hope that AJ Ferrari will outrank his competitors in the coming future.