Spencer Lee is made his highly anticipated return to freestyle at the 2023 US Open Wrestling Championships on April 27, 2023. 

A 2-time junior world champion and cadet world champion, Lee had not wrestled in a freestyle tournament since December 2019. However, his return didn't have the storybook ending many expected. He made the semi-finals to set up a showdown with longtime rival Nick Suriano but was forced to withdraw due to injury. Check out the below article to see all of Spencer Lee's matches and an explanation from Lee's father, Larry on the decision to withdraw.

Round Of 32 Match vs Darrion Harris

Spencer Lee's return to the freestyle world didn't last long as he earned a quick, 26-second tech fall over Darrion Harris. Spencer earned a takedown in about 4 seconds and transitioned immediately to 3 turns on top. Lee then closed the match out with a takedown to complete the 10-0 tech.

Round of 16 Match vs Sheldon Seymour

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Spencer's second match of the day was against Lehigh's Sheldon Seymour. Lee again recorded a 4-second takedown and then transitioned to a leg lace to jump out to a quick, 4-0 lead. Lee then hit his patented dump for his second takedown of the match before transitioning to 2 more leg laces for a 10-0 tech in just 53 seconds.

Quarter-Final Match vs Caleb Smith

Spencer Lee's quarterfinal opponent, Caleb Smith proved to be the toughest test of his first 3 matches. Smith was notably the #5 seed at the 2023 NCAA Tournament but failed to place after losing to the likes of Killian Cardinale and Michael DeAugustino. In their match at the Open, Lee once again got out to a quick lead with a takedown in just 10 seconds. Smith, however, was able to show off impressive par-terre defense to keep from being turned in both a tight lace and gut. Lee continued to work on his feet and earned a step-out along with 3 more takedowns to take a 9-0 lead into the break. 

After the break, Lee's pace slowed considerably allowing Smith to hang in the match. With no points on the board from either wrestler in the first 2:30 of the second period, Smith was able to get to double under hooks and drove Lee out of bounds to earn a step out and caution to close Lee's lead to 9-2. Smith then got in on a single leg and secured a takedown with just 6 seconds left in the match to end the score at 9-4 in Lee's favor. 

Semi-Final Match - Forfeited to Nick Suriano

Hear from Larry Lee, Spencer's father, on their decision to withdraw from the tournament: