As the clock ticks down to the 2025 World Team Trials, the wrestling world is heady with anticipation. Out of all, especially around the 70kg weight class. And right at the heart of all this excitement? An 18-year-old star. This kid out of Minisink Valley High School in New York is a serious force and is currently the #2 overall recruit in the class of 2025. Currently ranked #3 in men’s freestyle domestic rankings – he sits behind only Yianni Diakomihalis and James Green. Having already racked up major titles at Super 32 and Fargo, he is showing everyone he knows how to win big.
This weekend, PJ Duke is stepping onto a huge stage in Louisville, Kentucky. It’s the 2025 Senior World Team Trials Challenge Tournament, and it’s where wrestlers punch their ticket to Final X on June 14th for a shot at making the world team. All eyes are going to be on Duke, because how he performs here could change the game, not just for him, but for the whole 70kg picture. So, what is it about this young wrestler that’s got everyone so hyped?
Well, that’s where Christian Pyles comes in. He’s an analyst whose opinion holds some weight in wrestling circles. On his latest appearance on FloWrestling’s Radio Live, Pyles didn’t hold back when the conversation turned to PJ Duke. “It’s tough to say what the number one story is, but I feel like P.J. Duke may be up there for, like, who people are most excited for theorizing, this guy could really go on a run,” You could hear the anticipation in Pyles’ voice. And when he was asked directly, “What do you think, can he do it?” Pyles’ answer was a clear, firm “Yes.”
70 kg this weekend
– James Green
– PJ Duke
– Ian Parker
– Will Lewan
– Bryce Andonian
– Ridge Lovett
– Antrell Taylor
– Caleb Henson
– Brayton Lee
– Jackson Arrington#frl pic.twitter.com/RUcxWJ6nRR
— FloWrestling (@FloWrestling) May 13, 2025
For wrestling fans and folks who analyze the sport, hearing that from Pyles is a big deal. It’s a sign that Duke isn’t just another competitor; he might just be the guy to watch – the dominant force in what everyone knows is a super tough weight class. But what does that kind of label actually mean for Duke, and whom he is against at the Trials?
Well, Plyes seems to think Duke has a real shot at winning this 70kg bracket in 2025, but nobody’s saying it’ll be easy. The 70kg group is absolutely loaded with talent – we’re talking names like James Green, Ian Parker, Will Lewan, Bryce Andonian, Ridge Lovett, Antrell Taylor, Caleb Henson, Brayton Lee, and Jackson Arrington. Every single one of them has the skills and the potential to pull off an upset. For Duke, winning this isn’t just about moving forward; it’s about proving he belongs among the elite and cementing his place as a future international star. The big question hanging in the air is: can Duke navigate this incredibly challenging field and come out on top, or will the weight of all these expectations be too much? Well, the teen has already proved his mettle time and time again.
PJ Duke’s electrifying run to the World Team trials
PJ Duke is just 18 years old, right? But man, he’s already getting wins at the senior level that you’d expect from someone who’s been around forever. Last Summer, he snagged a bronze medal at the U20 World Championships, which was awesome. After that, he jumped into the senior world team trials in late September. He finished third there, which is a big deal! He had some solid wins over guys like Jarrett Jacques (8-3), Will Lewan (5-2), and Yahya Thomas (5-1), with his only loss coming against Alec Pantaleo (7-0).
Then, just a couple of months later, Duke hit the mat again at the 2024 Bill Farrell Memorial, and guess what? He walked away with a gold medal after another super impressive showing. In the semifinals, he actually pinned Bryce Andonian, a three-time All-American, right there in the first period while he was already up 10-2. And in the finals, he beat Will Lewan again – but this time, he won by an even bigger margin, 10-4. Winning those two tournaments pretty much cemented his spot as one of the top 70 kg wrestlers in the whole country. Right now, he’s sitting at #3 in our men’s freestyle domestic rankings, with only Yianni Diakomihalis and James Green ahead of him. Not bad for an 18-year-old, right? Will Duke’s fearless style be enough to topple the old guard, or will the pressure expose the young star’s inexperience? One thing’s for sure—this is must-watch wrestling.
The post 18-Year-Old Wrestling Star Branded Favorite for Final X as Analyst Makes Bold Claim Over Results appeared first on EssentiallySports.