On July 21 in Budapest, Hungary, a freestyle wrestling team match will take place between the national teams of Russia and the USA as part of the Professional Wrestling League (PWL 9). Below is the official press release for this historic encounter.
Idea
During negotiations between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, the topic of strengthening the relations between Russia and the USA, including the field of sports, was discussed. Wrestlers from both nations have long been friends off the mat and fierce rivals on it, and team matches between the two countries have a rich history. Earlier this spring an organizing committee was formed to promote this international team match under the slogan “Wrestling for peace.”
“As seen at many World Championships and Olympic Games in recent decades, the most anticipated matches are often between Russian and American wrestlers. In Tokyo, even the basketball final was moved to show the Sadulaev vs. Snyder bout in prime time. This team match, held under the slogan “Wrestling for peace”, is expected to attract massive attention from wrestling fans across the globe. I would like to emphasize that on the wrestling mat, we and the Americans have always understood each other. In fact, in 2013 we stood side by side to preserve wrestling in the Olympic program and succeeded. I am convinced that regardless of the outcome in Budapest, it will be a major victory for our sport,” said Mikhail Mamiashvili, President of the Russian Wrestling Federation and Olympic champion.
Series of matches and venue selection
The Budapest team match marks the first in a planned series of matches between Russian and American wrestlers. Hungary was selected as a neutral venue due to its logistical convenience for both sides. Two more matches are scheduled in the future – one in Russia and one in the USA.
History of rivalry
Wrestling team matches between the two countries began in the mid-20th century. The first competition between Soviet and American wrestlers took place in April 1958 in Oklahoma, within the framework of the Lacy – Zarubin cultural and sports exchange agreement. It featured legendary wrestlers such as Olympic champion Mirian Tsalkalamanidze, Olympic medalist Vakhtang Balavadze, and world champions Dick Delgado, Terry McCann, and others. Over nearly 70 years, dozens of such matches have taken place, with Soviet and Russian wrestlers generally achieving more victories.
Messages from the captains
Two of the top figures in global freestyle wrestling – Russia’s two-time Olympic champion Abdulrashid Sadulaev and USA’s Olympic champion Kyle Snyder – will not be competing in Budapest but are likely to face each other at the upcoming World Championships in Zagreb, Croatia, this September. Both expressed strong interest in the upcoming event.
Abdulrashid Sadulaev:.
“Team matches like these generate tremendous interest. Young athletes will compete in the first event, and in the next one, after the World Championships, we will face off with our best lineups.”
Kyle Snyder:.
“This match is part of the Professional Wrestling League (PWL). I competed in one of their events in Kazakhstan in February. It’s the best league for organizing top-class showdowns. I am sure this will be a high-level event.”
Participants
At the start of the Olympic cycle, new stars begin to emerge. The athletes competing in this match represent some of the top young talent from both nations – they are future leaders expected to be central figures at the 2028 Olympic Games. Team Russia will be led by World Champion Abasgadzhi Magomedov, while Team USA will be led by U20 World Champion Luke Lilledahl.
July 21, Budapest, Hungary
Freestyle Wrestling. PWL 9.
Russia vs USA Team Match
57 kg. Musa Mekhtikhanov (Russia) vs. Luke Lilledahl (USA)
61 kg. Muslim Mekhtikhanov (Russia) vs. Seth Gross (USA)
65 kg. Abasgadzhi Magomedov (Russia) vs. CJ Composto (USA)
70 kg. Saiyn Kazyryk (Russia) vs. Bryce Andonian (USA)
74 kg. Magoma Dibirgadzhiev (Russia) vs. Joseph Blaze (USA)
79 kg. Mokhmad Nasirkhaev (Russia) vs. DJ Hamiti (USA)
86 kg. Amanula Rasulov (Russia) vs. Marcus Coleman (USA)
92 kg. Amanula Gadzhimagomedov (Russia) vs. Mike Macchiavello (USA)
97 kg. Konstantin Pshenichnikov (Russia) vs. Jay Aiello (USA)
125 kg. Zelimkhan Khizriev (Russia) vs. Trent Hilger (USA)
Where to watch
The event “PWL 9. Russia vs USA Freestyle Wrestling Team Match” will be broadcast live on the international streaming platforms WRESTLINGTV.RU / SPORTRUSSIA.TV on July 21 at 8 p.m. Moscow time.
