A.J. Ferrari

A.J. Ferrari (born July 24, 2001) is an American freestyle wrestler and former folkstyle wrestler who competes internationally at 92 kilograms and collegiately at 197 pounds. He was previously signed by the WWE under its NIL (Next In Line) program. In freestyle, he claimed a bronze medal at the 2018 Cadet World Championships and was the 2020 US junior national champion. In folkstyle, Ferrari is a NCAA Division I national champion and Big 12 Conference champion out of Oklahoma State University, and was the top-ranked high school wrestler at the time of his commitment. Ferrari left the OSU wrestling team after local police announced he was under investigation for sexual assault. On August 3, 2022, Ferrari was charged with felony sexual battery. On October 6, 2023, the case was dismissed, with the 15 month citation being closed by the plaintiff's lawyer, citing "vicious attacks" and "harassment" directed at the client as the principle reason.

Amateur wrestling career

High school

Born and raised in Texas, Ferrari first attended Allen High School, where he became a two-time state champion and claimed a Walsh Jesuit Ironman title, as well as a Cadet Fargo National Championship in freestyle wrestling. In 2018, Ferrari claimed a Cadet World Championship bronze medal before he and his family moved to New Jersey, where he attended Blair Academy as the top-ranked 195 pounder in the country. While in Blair, he claimed a Beast of the East title by beating the second-ranked wrestler in the nation Jacob Cardenas (helping to the team title) and another Ironman title (also helping to the team title). He then transferred to Bergen Catholic High School, where he was also dominant but not eligible to compete in the post-season, like in Blair. After that, he moved back to Allen, Texas, where his senior year was derailed by an ankle injury. In 2020, Ferrari claimed the US Junior National Championship in freestyle.

College

In October 2019, Ferrari, the top-recruit in the country, committed to Oklahoma State University, over Rutgers, Penn State, Nebraska and Ohio State.

2020–2021

During regular season, Ferrari compiled a 12–1 record, with his only loss being handed to him by the highly-ranked Noah Adams from West Virginia. Entering the post-season, Ferrari ran through the bracket to claim his first Big 12 Conference title, becoming the first true freshman to be named the Most Outstanding Wrestler of the tournament since 2005. At the NCAAs, Ferrari, the fourth seed, clinched three matches to make the semifinals, notably defeating All-American Jacob Warner from Iowa and highly–ranked Tanner Sloan, before facing the Olympian and B1G Champion Myles Amine. Ferrari was able to prove himself by soundly defeating the highly skilled three-time All-American on points to advance to the finals, taking out the top–seed. In the finale, he defeated Nino Bonaccorsi from Pittsburgh, becoming an NCAA champion as a true freshman, the third in the Cowboys' history.

In April, Ferrari bumped up 17 pounds to make his senior freestyle debut at age 19, at the rescheduled US Olympic Team Trials in April 1–3 as the sixth seed at 97 kilograms, in an attempt to represent the United States at the 2020 Summer Olympics. In the first round, he was defeated by 2018 NCAA champion Michael Macchiavello, and lost controversially to 2019 graduate Ben Honis in the consolation bracket.

2021–2022

With an undefeated 10–0 record midway through the season, Ferrari and Oklahoma State cross country runner Isai Rodriguez were involved in a serious car accident where Ferrari's car was completely destroyed. Ferrari was airlifted to OU Health in Oklahoma City for treatment for internal bleeding and fluid on his lungs. Ferrari withdrew from the rest of the season since his injuries required surgery.

Mixed martial arts career

Ferrari is preparing for a transition to mixed martial arts and has been training in various striking martial arts, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu alongside Rodolfo Vieira and Jorge Masvidal from American Top Team.

Personal life

Ferrari is from Allen, Texas, and he started wrestling after the family's move to Dallas. Ferrari’s family are devout Christians and Italian Americans.

Criminal charges

On July 5, 2022, a woman filed for an emergency protective order against Ferrari, alleging he sexually assaulted her on July 2 in her home. On July 14, Oklahoma State University confirmed Ferrari had left their wrestling team. An hour later, the Stillwater Police Department announced Ferrari was under investigation for sexual assault. On August 3, 2022 Ferrari was charged with felony sexual battery in Payne County District Court. After the charges were announced Ferrari's attorney released a statement saying “we remain confident that through the legal process, A.J. Jr. will be exonerated, as he is innocent and the facts will no doubt prove it.” The case was dismissed on October 6, 2023 in Payne County District Court. An order was signed by Associate District Judge Michael Kulling after being filed by District Attorney Laura Austin Thomas, citing “vicious attacks” and “harassment” directed at her client as well as "ugliness and hatred that she encounters and suffers each time this matter progresses to the next step."

Freestyle record

NCAA record

Stats

References