Hendrickson vs. Parris - Heavy Is the Crown

In the blink of an eye so much can change in wrestling. We’re about to find out what kind of a difference two years can make.

Mason Parris and Wyatt Hendrickson first clashed at the 2022 Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational where Parris and Cohlton Schultz of Arizona State were the two favorites to win. Parris made good on the expectations by winning the weight class, taking out Hendrickson in the opening round in the process.

One year later, Hendrickson would have his breakout season finishing third place at 285-pounds and still fall short of Parris who took home NCAA gold. Two months later Parris would notch two freestyle wins over Hendrickson at the US Open and US Senior World Team Trials respectively.

Since then Hendrickson would go on a run that would see him beat Tony Cassioppi, Cohlton Schultz, Josh Heindselman, Greg Kerkvliet, taking out Gable Steveson in one of the biggest moments in the history of the sport en route to claiming a National Title of his own and Mostafa Elders for his RAF title at RAF 1.

Hendrickson has captured the attention of wrestling world but Parris hasn’t been sitting on his hands since winning his NCAA title and Hodge Trophy in 2023. Parris has also won Pan American gold and took out names such as Alexander Romanov, Givi Matcharashvili and Giorgi Meshvildishvili.

It’s hard to discount the impact other heavyweights have made in the sport but the RAF 4 Main Event matchup may be for more than just a title belt. It may be also be crowning the face of the entire division.

Built For Real American Freestyle

Wyatt Hendrickson: RAF Champion, NCAA Champion and Hodge Trophy winner known for his overwhelming pace, nonstop pressure and top game. Hendrickson thrives in turning scrambles into scoring opportunities and breaking opponents with volume and relentlessness.

Mason Parris: NCAA Champion and Hodge Trophy winner known for his athleticism, re-attacks and speed. Parris excels in creating scoring opportunities off counters and rarely losing positioning.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

Tempo Management Early: If Mason Parris can strike first in exchanges and establish position early, it may limit Hendrickson’s ability to layer on pressure across periods. Keeping Hendrickson off his pace could tilt the tempo in Parris’ favor.

Hendrickson’s Evolution Since Their Last Meeting: Wyatt Hendrickson has gone from raw power to refined problem. He now chains attacks, scores off resets and controls more of the match tactically—rather than relying on nonstop cardio. How that version of Hendrickson matches up with Parris in 2024 could look very different than it did in 2022–23.

The Mental Edge: Hendrickson has dismantled almost every major name in the division—but not Mason Parris. Parris leads the head-to-head 3–0, including two freestyle wins. Whether that history weighs on Hendrickson or fuels him could be a deciding factor in the closing minutes.

Can Wyatt Hendrickson complete his collection of heavyweight wins or does Mason Parris still have his number?

Find out Saturday, December 20 ONLY on Fox Nation!