By David Gerhart
USA Wrestling

CHANTILLY, Virginia – 2025 World champion Trent Hidlay sealed the series sweep at 2026 Final X, presented by Kerberos Capital Management, with a four-point maneuver with three seconds left to secure an 8-3 victory in the second match of the 92 kg men’s freestyle series at Freedom High School on Saturday.

With the Final X series victory, Hidlay earns the opportunity to represent Team USA at the 2026 Senior World Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan, October 24-November 1.

After winning the first match of the series, 2-1, Hidlay fell behind early against Michael Macchiavello. Macchiavello took the 1-0 lead after Hidlay failed to score while on the activity clock.

The 1-0 Macchiavello advantage held going into the break.

Hidlay scored back-to-back step-out points to grab a 2-1 lead at the start of the second period. The seesaw battle got underway with Macchiavello earning a step-out point, then a lost challenge gave him the 3-2 edge. Hidlay tied the score in the final minute with another step-out point, and he led on criteria.

In the waning seconds of the bout, Hidlay sealed the match, sending Macchiavello from feet to back for four points on the edge of the mat. A lost challenge made the final score 8-3, and Hidlay swept the series to earn a spot on the Senior World Team for the second-straight year.

The remainder of the men’s and women’s freestyle Senior World Team will be decided on Friday, June 19, at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

For more details and coverage on 2026 Final X, presented by Kerberos Capital Management, visit TheMat.com.

Replays of both matches are available on FloWrestling. Final results are available on USA Bracketing.

2026 Final X, presented by Kerberos Capital Management

At Chantilly, Virginia, June 13

Men’s Freestyle Best-of-Three Series

92 kg – Trent Hidlay (Raleigh, N.C./Wolfpack WC/Titan Mercury WC) defeats Michael Macchiavello (Northampton, Pa./Lehigh Valley Wrestling RTC/Titan Mercury WC), two matches to none

Round 1 – Hidlay dec. Macchiavello, 2-1

Round 2 – Hidlay dec. Macchiavello, 8-3