Wyatt Hendrickson is preparing to defend his RAF unlimited championship at RAF 7 on March 28th. Known for his significant victory over Gable Steveson, Hendrickson now faces Trent Hillger in a highly anticipated bout. Discussing his current state as he heads into this crucial Real American Freestyle event, Hendrickson stated that he’s in the midst of an intense training cycle. He acknowledged Hillger as a formidable opponent, noting they will also meet at the US Open in a few months. Despite being more sore than usual, Hendrickson emphasized the satisfaction of dedicated training, knowing it ensures he’s fully prepared and ready to enjoy the competition when the time comes.
This upcoming match marks the fifth encounter between Hendrickson and Hillger. Hendrickson recounted their long-standing rivalry, which began during his freshman year in college when Hillger defeated him to become an All-American. They have since competed several times on the world stage, notably in a “best two out of three” series at Final X. Hendrickson highlighted the intense nature of their previous bouts, recalling one match that accumulated over 34 total points – an exceptionally high score for heavyweight wrestling. He expressed their mutual enjoyment of fierce competition and their desire to deliver an exciting performance for fans.
While his victory over Gable Steveson was a monumental achievement that garnered widespread attention, Hendrickson acknowledged that his upcoming match against Hillger holds a unique personal significance due to their deep-rooted rivalry. He agreed with the assessment, stating that Hillger has consistently improved, and as the top two wrestlers representing the USA, he cannot afford complacency. Hendrickson emphasized the importance of maintaining a rigorous training regimen, understanding that both competitors aspire to be the best, and success hinges on who truly believes in it and trains accordingly. This mindset, he stressed, is crucial for competing against the world’s elite wrestlers.
Despite his impressive achievements, including NCAA championships, a Hodge Trophy, and the RAF title, Hendrickson emphasized the critical importance of humility. He admitted learning this lesson “the hard way” after his match with Gable Steveson, where he became complacent and his training suffered. This led to a disappointing early loss at the World Championships. That experience served as a powerful wake-up call, revealing his past laziness and reinforcing the discipline required to not only reach but consistently perform at the highest level. He vividly recalls the pain of that loss, using it as a constant motivator during difficult training sessions. Hendrickson empowers his coaches to remind him of that feeling, ensuring he never relives the heartbreak of failing to meet his own expectations due to insufficient training, reiterating the maxim: “You don’t rise to the level of your expectations, you fall to the level of your training.” This philosophy drives him daily.
Wyatt Hendrickson: Olympic Ambitions and RAF’s Unique Format
When questioned if setbacks provide more powerful motivation than victories, Hendrickson agreed. While wins are exhilarating and offer some motivation to repeat the feeling, he finds that motivation stemming from losses or negative experiences has a deeper, more profound impact on his drive. He compared it to gambling: winning is fun, but the thrill quickly fades, leading to a desire for more that can ultimately result in losses. Similarly in wrestling, while winning is enjoyable, the memory and emotional impact of losses resonate more deeply and serve as stronger catalysts for continuous improvement.
While fully focused on the upcoming Real American Freestyle event, Hendrickson is also actively pursuing an Olympic bid. He emphasized that the RAF circuit significantly aids his Olympic aspirations by providing consistent competitive opportunities. He expressed gratitude for RAF, explaining that without it, he would face lengthy periods of inactivity between major tournaments, such as the two to two-and-a-half months before the US Open. RAF’s continuous schedule, which lacks a traditional “off-season,” allows him to compete regularly, engage with top opponents, and stay sharp, which is invaluable for his preparation for Olympic and World team trials.
RAF employs a “superfight” style, similar to jiu-jitsu, where individual competitors are prominently featured outside of traditional tournament brackets. Hendrickson praised this approach for its ability to spotlight and market wrestlers effectively. He noted that unlike conventional wrestling matches where viewers only see two athletes compete, RAF provides a deeper insight into the wrestlers’ lives and training through mini-documentaries before bouts. This creates a stronger emotional connection for the audience, allowing them to understand the athletes’ journeys and develop rooting interests, which is a significant departure from traditional wrestling presentations. He commended RAF for their exceptional work in showcasing athletes’ stories.