For years, Bo Bassett has looked up to Spencer Lee—not just as a dominant force in wrestling but as a true inspiration. Lee does a fantastic job at being a role model. The two-time Dan Hodge trophy winner, three-time Big Ten Wrestler of the Year, the Olympic silver medalist, is considered one of the most revered wrestlers of recent times in the country, and he has rightfully earned that place. While we were thinking Bo Bassett would be the apt successor to Spencer Lee and carry forward the Hawkeyes’ illustrious legacy, something unthinkable happened. Has the wrestling prodigy thrown it all under the bus with a social media activity? Some might think he did!
The highly anticipated FloWrestling Night in America showdown between Spencer Lee and Masanosuke Ono wasn’t just another match; it was a stake between two nations and two wrestlers. The packed Xtream Arena witnessed the match-up, and among the fans, Bo Bassett was there to cheer for his idol. But in a heartbreaking turn of events (depending on who you were rooting for), the former Iowa wrestler faced a crushing defeat as Ono won a clear and decisive 3-2 victory. What’s more shocking for Iowa Hawkeyes fans, was a post-match moment, Bassett was captured posing with the victor, 21-year-old Masanosuke Ono. Yikes!
While the Spencer Lee-Bo Bassett fans hoped the picture was nothing more than mere formality, the 18-year-old Pennsylvania native proved them wrong. Bassett posted the picture on his Instagram story, and even went so far as to tag Ono. Having been close to Lee and the wrestling community in Iowa, seeing him pose with the winner incited questions in the minds of many. Was it an innocent gesture, or did it hint at something more? But maybe the fear of a possible rift between Lee and Bassett is unfounded. After all, the wrestling prodigy’s admiration for the Olympic medalist is as true as it gets.
Bassett has stated his admiration for Spencer Lee, “I can still remember my first practice at Young Guns—guys like Spencer Lee … were in the room.” He further added, “I would have done anything to follow along with Spencer Lee’s … recruiting process.” Maybe a simple post-match photograph is being blown out of proportions. Or maybe not. Whatever may be the case, we are sure to find out sooner or later. Meanwhile, we are still recuperating from the whirlwind of a match it was. We cannot help but remember the first time they met. And its consequences.
February 26th was deja vu for Spencer Lee
In a highly anticipated match on February 26, 2025, at FloWrestling Night in America, Japan’s Masanosuke Ono bested American wrestling standout Spencer Lee, securing a narrow 3-2 victory. This encounter was a sequel to their initial meeting during Lee’s post-collegiate visit to Japan. During that informal practice session, Lee was introduced to Ono, who was then an emerging talent.
Paris 2024 Olympics – Wrestling – Men’s Freestyle 57kg 1/8 Final – Champ de Mars Arena, Paris, France – August 08, 2024. Spencer Richard Lee of United States in action with Wanhao Zou of China. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon
Reflecting on that experience, Lee remarked, “At the time, nobody knows who Ono is, right? I ended up wrestling with him for a little bit. It was like a three-minute go. I remember going, That guy was really good.” The February 26 match saw Ono take an early lead with three step-out points in the first period, effectively utilizing a right-side underhook to control the bout. the 21-year-old managed to earn two points in the second period due to passive warnings against Ono, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit.
Post-match, Lee candidly assessed his performance, stating, “I think I put him on a little bit of a pedestal and I need to go out and wrestle a little more.” He also apologized to fans for the match’s lack of excitement, acknowledging, “Everyone’s excited for a big match and I and he stand there and club each other a few times.” Well, when can it not be exciting to witness two star wrestlers in action?
Ono’s victory on American soil not only reinforced his dominance in the wrestling world but also intensified the burgeoning rivalry between the two athletes. As both wrestlers continue to evolve, the prospect of future matchups promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this compelling saga.
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