Blades Accepts 68 kg Women’s Freestyle Berth at 2026 Final X, Presented by Kerberos Capital Management

2025 World bronze medalist Kennedy Blades (Iowa City, Iowa/Hawkeye WC/Titan Mercury WC) has accepted her automatic bid to 2026 Final X, presented by Kerberos Capital Management, and will battle for the women’s freestyle 68 kg spot on the 2026 U.S. World Team. Final X is set for Friday, June 19 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. 

The 22-year-old Blades is one of USA Wrestling’s rising stars, with a silver medal from the 2024 Olympic Games accompanying her World bronze medal from last September, which automatically qualified her for Final X. She is a three-time age-group World medalist, including a gold medal from the 2021 U20 World Championships. 

National Duals Invitational Announces Additional Qualifiers

The National Duals Invitational, a groundbreaking $1 million collegiate wrestling event sponsored by Paycom, has announced that six additional teams have earned automatic qualification for the 2026 tournament. Featuring top programs from across the country, the tournament will bring elite competition and high-stakes prize money to Tulsa this December.

Pac-12 Conference Adds Air Force, Northern Colorado, North Dakota State and South Dakota State for Wrestling

The Pac-12 Conference today announced the addition of four new affiliate members in the sport of wrestling, beginning with the 2026-27 season and coinciding with the new Pac-12’s launch. Joining the league in the sport of wrestling will be Air Force, Northern Colorado, North Dakota State and South Dakota State. The four will join Northern Illinois, who was previously announced to be joining as a wrestling affiliate member in October, as new members of Pac-12 Wrestling next season.

National Wrestling Hall of Fame Announces 50th Anniversary Podcast Spotlight Series

As part of its 50th Anniversary celebration, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame will begin sharing curated podcast episodes featuring Distinguished Members, National Honorees, and High School Excellence Award winners.

Starting this Thursday, selected podcast episodes will be shared at 6 p.m. CT every Tuesday and Thursday on the Hall of Fame’s Facebook and X platforms. The episodes, originally produced by respected wrestling media outlets and podcast hosts, feature in-depth conversations with individuals whose achievements and leadership have shaped the sport of wrestling.

Resilite Launches Stories From The Resilite Hosted by Shane Sparks

Longtime National Wrestling Hall of Fame partner and sponsor Resilite has launched Stories From The Resilite, hosted by Shane Sparks.

The first episode, featuring one of the most decorated wrestlers in American history, Jordan Burroughs, is now available.

Penn State’s Mitchell Mesenbrink wins 2026 WIN Magazine/Culture House Dan Hodge Trophy presented by ASICS Wrestling

Penn State University's Mitchell Mesenbrink has been named the winner of the 2026 WIN Magazine/Culture House Dan Hodge Trophy, presented by ASICS.

Distinguished Member J Robinson Passes Away

The National Wrestling Hall of Fame was saddened to learn that J Robinson, a Distinguished Member inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005, passed away on Sunday, at the age of 79. 

“On behalf of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Board of Governors and staff, I want to extend our sincere sympathies to J’s wife, Sue, his family, friends, and the thousands of wrestlers and coaches across the country whose lives were shaped by his influence, friendship, mentorship, and leadership,” said Lee Roy Smith, Executive Director of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. “A legendary Olympic wrestler, esteemed coach, and proud Army Ranger veteran, J’s impact on wrestling began in the 1960s and spanned more than seven decades. Throughout his remarkable career, he built a legacy defined by an unwavering work ethic, visionary leadership, and a lifelong commitment to elevating the sport and inspiring generations of athletes.” 

Oklahoma State's Sergio Vega to Receive Amateur Wrestling News Hammer Award

Amateur Wrestling News will present The Hammer, its annual award, to Oklahoma State’s Sergio Vega, who was the Arizona winner of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame's Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award (DSHSEA) in 2025.

The award is presented to the wrestler who wins the national title at what the writers at AWN determine to be the most competitive weight class during the NCAA Tournament.