Kurt Angle Highlights Wyatt Hendrickson’s Stunning NCAA Championship Upset as One of Sport’s Greatest Moments

Kurt Angle Highlights Wyatt Hendrickson’s Stunning NCAA Championship Upset as One of Sport’s Greatest Moments

When Wyatt Hendrickson achieved a stunning victory over Gable Stevenson to secure the NCAA heavyweight wrestling championship on Sunday, the wrestling community recognized it as a monumental upset.

In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, WWE icon and Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle described the match as one of the most remarkable upsets in the history of amateur wrestling. He expressed his belief that this event stands alongside legendary sports moments like the Miracle on Ice and Buster Douglas’s shocking knockout of Mike Tyson.

Angle stated emphatically, “It was absolutely the greatest upset in amateur history. It definitely goes up there with the Miracle hockey team and Buster Douglas knocking out Mike Tyson, definitely.” Such praise from a seasoned athlete carries significant weight, especially given Angle’s rich background as an Olympic champion, world champion, and NCAA champion.

Angle elaborated further on the match, drawing a parallel with the famous hockey coach Herb Brooks’s philosophy. He assessed Hendrickson’s win, saying, “If they wrestled 100 times, 99 times, Gable Stevenson would’ve beat him, not only beat him, but beat him handsomely. This was just a freakish night. It was Wyatt Hendrickson’s night, and I give him a lot of credit. He did not stop wrestling, and that shows the kind of fortitude he has. I’m sure he got that from the Air Force.”

Hendrickson, currently a second lieutenant in the Air Force, celebrated his victory draped in an American flag, even saluting former President Donald Trump, who was present to witness the moment. Angle remarked that the scene felt straight out of a Hollywood movie. He quipped, “He came out with the American flag on, Mr. America – I know it wasn’t, but it’s almost like it was fixed, like it was a movie. It was crazy. President Trump’s there, congratulating Wyatt after he wins. You couldn’t write a better script for a movie.”

Angle pointed out that the motivation behind Hendrickson’s performance played a crucial role. He speculated that while Stevenson has an impressive set of accolades, he might have lacked the burning desire to win that characterized Hendrickson. Angle observed, “I think Gable was like, ‘Hey, I won the Olympics, I’ve won the NCAAs, I’m good.’ It wasn’t like he had this extra fire inside of him like Wyatt Hendrickson. This was a freak thing – I’m giving Wyatt a lot of credit, he wrestled hard. But Gable’s levels above Wyatt, rightfully so. But I do give Wyatt the credit, he made it happen.”

Stevenson, who has made some moves into the WWE world, sharing the ring with Angle in 2022, has also signed with the NFL’s Buffalo Bills. Although he didn’t make the final roster, Angle expressed confidence that if Stevenson were to try out again, he would make the team. Furthermore, Angle sees a bright future for Stevenson in mixed martial arts, predicting that he will make an impactful transition to the sport.

He remarked, “I think Gable Stevenson is going to be a formidable fighter in the MMA, whether it be UFC or Bellator or whatever it is. He’s gonna be an MMA fighter, and if he fights in the UFC, I think you’re going to see a new UFC champion. Gable is that athletic. The kid is amazing. For him to be in a heavyweight division and be as athletic as he is, it’s nothing short of amazing. The kid is just talented left and right, there’s no doubt about that.”

The Impact of Greatness in Sports

The wrestling world remains in awe of Wyatt Hendrickson’s unprecedented triumph. This victory not only showcases the unpredictability of sports but also highlights the hard work and determination that often lie behind such upsets. The inspirational story of an underdog rising to the occasion resonates far beyond the wrestling mat, encapsulating the very essence of competition.

Hendrickson’s achievement mirrors numerous historical sports triumphs where expectations were shattered, reminding fans that anything is possible with dedication and resilience. Moreover, Angle’s reflections not only validate Hendrickson’s skill but also celebrate the spirit of competition that defines sports at every level. This victory is a significant milestone for Hendrickson, and his journey will likely inspire future athletes.

The wrestling community will continue to share this memorable match through its narratives, ensuring that Hendrickson’s name will be remembered alongside other greats of the sport. As the legacy of this upset grows, it reminds sports lovers everywhere that victory is often a blend of talent, heart, and a touch of fate.

Ultimately, Kurt Angle’s recognition of Wyatt Hendrickson’s incredible performance serves as a powerful reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports and the extraordinary accomplishments that athletes can achieve against the odds.