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The world is NCAA Wrestling isn’t often filled with controversy. But thanks to two of the sport’s biggest stars, that’s exactly what we have on our hands.
Four-time NCAA champion Carter Starocci is back at Penn State thanks to a COVID-year exemption and is looking to become the sport’s first and only five-time champion.
Also returning is highly controversial for Oklahoma State national champion AJ Ferrari, who is now at Cal State-Bakersfield.
Ferrari is set to wrestle at 197 pounds. Meanwhile, Starocci is expected to move up from 174 to 184. But on Monday night, the four-time champ issued a loud and vulgar challenge to Ferrari for an exhibition match.
— MatScouts (@MatScouts1) September 10, 2024
Carter Starocci Calls Out AJ Ferrari In Vulgar Social Media Post
“Another has been NCAA champ that needs added to my collection All Star classic,” Starocci said in a since-deleted post on Instagram and Twitter. “It’s at Penn State this year because they want the king showing out again. Just notify the city district so the youth can stay a safe distance away. I’ll go up in weight just to bend you over in front of the world.”
Starocci also laid out the stipulations for the challenge. He suggested that each wager $300,000 (an NCAA violation) and that the winner would take all.
He also suggested Ferrari, who left Oklahoma State amid a sexual assault investigation, publically apologize to his alleged victims should Starocci win the match. The alternative option was Ferrari get a chest tattoo that read “Carter Starocci is my NATTY DADDY.”
While it’s an enticing potential matchup, it seems doubtful that it ever happens. Starocci suggested the match take place at 190 pounds, and it’s unlikely Ferrari could actually make that weight.
Ferrari has also yet to respond on social media, which may be in the direction of his new coaches at Cal State.