Wrestling Fans Yet Again Denied the Opportunity to Witness Spencer Lee Take On Nick Suriano at Pan Am Games

With the 2024 Paris Olympics inching closer, wrestling stars from all over the country have gone into prep mode to secure their spot in the national team. With several wrestlers already having qualified for the big stage thanks to their 2023 World Championships exploits, others are looking to receive their confirmation at the PanAm Games slated to take place next month. And yet, fans sigh in despair as they once again seem to be missing out on the chance of witnessing one of the greatest rivalries from the domestic scene.

Only yesterday, two-time NCAA champ Nick Suriano was seen going the extra mile as he focused on training to get back his A-game. With the Olympics around the corner, many believe Suriano is determined to reclaim his top spot in the 57kg weight class. However, according to the latest Team USA entry list for the PanAm Games, it looks like a change of plans is set to negate the chances of seeing Suriano locking horns with long-time rival Spencer Lee.

Nick Suriano steps into an unchartered territory

According to the latest team sheet, Suriano will head onto the PanAm tournament in the 61kg category, while Lee is set to face his opponents in his regular 57kg weight class. Suriano also competes in the 57kg class, but according to the latest social media post by Basch Solutions owner Justin Basch, it looks like this year’s PanAm will see Suriano deviating from his natural habitat. The list posted by Basch puts Suriano’s name in the 61kg category.

With Suriano pulling out of the 2023 Senior Nationals, many speculated that he’s buying time before taking on Spencer Lee on the mat. And now, it looks like fans have to wait a while longer before the verdict to the long tussle is finally decided.

Spencer and Suriano have a long history of rivalry that dates back more than a decade when the duo first met at the Super 32 Finals. While their dual will surely be missed, fans are assured of a good time as the list contains dazzling names such as Mason Parris, Kyle Snyder, and Nate Jackson on their way to represent the country in Chille.

A consolation to make things look better

While fans mourn the loss of witnessing the fierce showdown at the PanAm Games, another elite opponent will stand on Lee’s way to the top at next month’s tournament. The 2021 Big Ten Champion and four-time All-American Roman Bravo-Young of Penn State will be representing Mexico in Santiago next month in the 57kg weight class, making his clash against Iowa’s Lee an inevitable affair.

Read more: With Sights Set on the Paris 2024 Olympics Team Trials, Wrestling Sensation Nick Suriano Goes the Extra Mile

Lee won the 2023 Big Ten title in the 125lb category, and he, along with Suriano, will be looking to showcase their prowess ahead of the Olympics to clinch that coveted place on the national team.

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