Wyatt Hendrickson, a wrestler for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, pulled off a stunning upset on Saturday night, taking home the national championship—and he celebrated in a big way. After his victory, he turned and saluted former President Donald Trump, who was sitting right by the mat.
Hendrickson, a former Air Force wrestler and now a second lieutenant, took down Minnesota’s Gable Stevenson with a 5-3 win to claim the Heavyweight title. The crowd at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia erupted in chants of “USA! USA!” as Hendrickson saluted Trump.
Wrapped in an American flag, he made his way over to the former president, shook his hand, and exchanged a few words. “He said he was very proud of me,” Hendrickson told ESPN. “He came here to support his troops. I put on a show for him I wanted that national title.”
Trump wasn’t the only big name in attendance. He was joined by Elon Musk and Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, adding even more buzz to an already electric night.
It’s the kind of story every athlete dreams of not just winning in dramatic fashion but doing it with some of the biggest names in the country watching. Hendrickson didn’t just leave with a championship he walked away with a moment he’ll never forget.
Trump Joins Wyatt Hendrickson for Classic American Celebration After Title Win
