Wyatt Hendrickson Shocks NCAA Wrestling World with Historic Championship Upset—and What He Did After Left the Internet Buzzing About Donald Trump

In one of the most stunning upsets in NCAA wrestling history, Air Force Academy heavyweight Wyatt Hendrickson delivered a performance for the ages during the NCAA Wrestling Championship finals.

But it wasn’t just his victory that stole the spotlight—his unexpected post-match gesture toward former President Donald Trump, who was in attendance, sent social media into a frenzy and sparked a nationwide conversation.

A David vs. Goliath Story Unfolds on the Mat

The 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships were packed with top-tier athletes and national contenders, but no one could have predicted what would unfold in the heavyweight division.

Wyatt Hendrickson, a cadet from the United States Air Force Academy, entered the tournament as a respected competitor but not the favorite.

He was up against No. 1-ranked Gable Porter, a reigning champion from Iowa who was widely expected to dominate the division once again.

From the outset of the match, Hendrickson displayed unrelenting intensity and strategic brilliance.

Wrestling fans were treated to a tactical masterclass as the underdog refused to be intimidated by the heavily favored Porter.

The energy in the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, where the championships were being held, was electric as the match approached its final moments.

In a dramatic flurry in the closing seconds, Hendrickson executed a perfectly timed takedown that secured the points he needed to clinch victory.

The crowd erupted. Hendrickson had pulled off what many are calling the biggest upset in NCAA wrestling history.

The Crowd Reacts, but One Gesture Steals the Show

As the referee raised Hendrickson’s hand in victory, signaling the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice, the newly crowned champion looked up into the stands.

There, among a sea of cheering fans, stood former President Donald J. Trump. The 45th President of the United States had been attending the tournament as part of a high-profile visit that had already drawn media attention.

In a moment that would soon become iconic, Hendrickson jogged to the edge of the mat, pointed directly at Trump, and delivered a sharp salute.

The crowd, already buzzing from the upset, reacted with gasps, cheers, and applause. Cameras quickly zoomed in on the former president, who returned the gesture with a thumbs-up and a smile.

Social media platforms lit up instantly.

“Wyatt Hendrickson just saluted Donald Trump after winning the title. I’ve never seen anything like this in college sports,” one user posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Another user wrote: “That salute was more than respect—it was a statement. Wyatt Hendrickson is an American hero in every sense.”

A Symbolic Moment in a Politically Charged Era

The gesture sparked immediate debate and conversation, not only among sports fans but also across political and media circles.

Was Hendrickson’s salute merely a sign of respect to a former Commander-in-Chief, or was it a subtle political endorsement? The answer may depend on who you ask.

To some, it was a powerful image of patriotism—a military cadet acknowledging a former president in front of a national audience.

To others, it was a controversial moment that blurred the lines between sports and politics at a time when the two have increasingly overlapped.

Regardless of interpretation, it became clear that this wasn’t just another victory celebration.

Hendrickson’s salute became a symbol, amplified by a social media echo chamber that thrives on viral moments and divisive dialogue.

Who Is Wyatt Hendrickson?

Before his headline-making performance, Wyatt Hendrickson was already well-respected within the wrestling community.

A two-time All-American and Air Force Academy standout, Hendrickson is known for his discipline, humility, and work ethic—traits often associated with military training and service.

Hailing from Newton, Kansas, Hendrickson has long been a proud representative of both his home state and the values of the U.S. Air Force.

His path to wrestling greatness was not handed to him. As a student-athlete at a service academy, Hendrickson balanced intense physical training, military duties, and academic challenges, all while competing at the highest level of collegiate wrestling.

“I’ve always wrestled with a chip on my shoulder,” Hendrickson said in a post-match interview.

“People don’t always expect much from a service academy guy, but I’m here to prove that we can compete—and win—on the biggest stages.”

His story, already compelling due to his background and work ethic, took on even more significance following his performance at the championship and the now-infamous Trump salute.

Trump’s Reaction: “A True Patriot”

Former President Trump, who has been making more frequent public appearances as the 2024 election cycle continues to simmer, didn’t wait long to weigh in on the moment.

Within hours of the championship bout, Trump posted a photo of Hendrickson’s salute on Truth Social, captioned:

“What an incredible win by a great young American! Wyatt Hendrickson showed strength, courage, and respect. A true patriot and future leader. Congratulations!”

Trump’s praise added fuel to an already explosive story. Conservative news outlets praised the moment as emblematic of a “return to values,” while progressive commentators questioned the appropriateness of injecting political symbolism into collegiate athletics.

The NCAA Weighs In

As the story gained traction, the NCAA released a brief statement acknowledging the moment while reiterating its commitment to keeping college athletics inclusive and nonpartisan.

“The NCAA celebrates the achievements of all student-athletes and respects their rights to free expression. We remain focused on maintaining a competitive and respectful environment for all participants and attendees.”

The organization did not indicate whether any action would be taken regarding Hendrickson’s gesture, suggesting it did not violate any formal rules or codes of conduct.

Reactions from the Wrestling World

Several high-profile figures in the wrestling community voiced support for Hendrickson. Olympic gold medalist and WWE superstar Kurt Angle tweeted:

“Huge congrats to Wyatt Hendrickson. That match was incredible. And the salute? That’s called honoring your Commander-in-Chief. Respect.”

Former NCAA champion and ESPN analyst Jordan Burroughs had a more nuanced take:

“Amazing performance by Hendrickson—no question. As athletes, we all carry personal beliefs. What matters most is how we compete and how we carry ourselves, and he did both with honor.”

Hendrickson, for his part, has remained relatively quiet about the political implications of his salute. When asked about it directly during a post-match press conference, he said:

“I saw a former president in the crowd, and as a cadet, it felt right to salute. That’s all there was to it.”

Still, the simplicity of his explanation hasn’t stopped the speculation or slowed the viral momentum.

Internet Explodes with Memes, Support, and Backlash

The Internet did what the Internet does best—turning a spontaneous gesture into a viral phenomenon.

Within hours, images of Hendrickson’s salute were meme-ified, analyzed, and debated across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, X, and Reddit.

On TikTok, the hashtag #HendricksonSalute began trending, with over 12 million views in under 24 hours. Some videos praised the gesture as “real American energy,” while others criticized it as “unnecessary political posturing.”

Political commentators from both sides of the aisle weighed in, with conservative pundits like Ben Shapiro and Dan Bongino praising Hendrickson for “bringing patriotism back to sports.”

Meanwhile, liberal commentators such as Keith Olbermann and Jemele Hill criticized what they saw as a politicization of a student-athlete’s moment of glory.

A Moment That May Define a Career

Whether Wyatt Hendrickson intended it or not, his salute to Donald Trump during one of the most celebrated wins in NCAA wrestling history has immortalized his name in both sports and cultural discourse.

Will this moment affect his future? Possibly. With the Olympic Trials looming and potential military deployment in his future, Hendrickson stands at a unique intersection of athletic stardom and national service.

Some believe the spotlight could propel him toward a professional career in sports entertainment or even political advocacy, should he choose that route.

Others hope he continues to focus on wrestling and military service, becoming a role model for future generations.

Final Thoughts: A Snapshot of Modern America

In a single moment—one hand raised in victory, the other snapping into a salute—Wyatt Hendrickson gave the nation more than just a sports highlight.

He gave us a snapshot of America in 2025: complex, divided, but still moved by individual acts of courage and conviction.

As fans, analysts, and political figures continue to dissect what it all means, one truth remains undeniable—Hendrickson’s performance was one of the most inspiring athletic moments in recent NCAA history.

And whether you saw it as a salute to a former president, a patriotic gesture, or simply the instinctive respect of a cadet to a Commander-in-Chief, the moment has etched itself into the cultural fabric.

For now, Wyatt Hendrickson is not just a national champion—he’s a symbol. And in an age where symbolism is everything, that might just be his greatest legacy yet.