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.[2][3] 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.[4][5] 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.[6][7] Ferrari left the OSU wrestling team after local police announced he was under investigation for sexual assault.[8][9] On August 3, 2022, Ferrari was charged with felony
sexual battery.[10] 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. [11]
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.[12][13][14][15] 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.[16][17] 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)[18] and another Ironman title (also helping to the team title).[19] He then transferred to
Bergen Catholic High School,[20] where he was also dominant but not eligible to compete in the post-season, like in Blair.[20] After that, he moved back to
Allen, Texas,[21] where his
senior year was derailed by an ankle injury.[22] In 2020, Ferrari claimed the US Junior National Championship in freestyle.[3]
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.[25] 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.[6] 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.[26] 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.[27] In the finale, he defeated Nino Bonaccorsi from
Pittsburgh, becoming an
NCAA champion as a
true freshman, the third in the
Cowboys' history.[28]
With an undefeated 10–0 record midway through the season,[citation needed] Ferrari and
Oklahoma State cross country runner Isai Rodriguez were involved in a serious car accident where Ferrari's car was completely destroyed.[32]
Ferrari was airlifted to
OU Health in
Oklahoma City for treatment for internal bleeding and fluid on his lungs.[33]
Ferrari withdrew from the rest of the season since his injuries required surgery.[34]
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.[10] On July 14,
Oklahoma State University confirmed Ferrari had left their wrestling team.[8] An hour later, the
Stillwater Police Department announced Ferrari was under investigation for
sexual assault.[9] 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.”[10] 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."[38][39]