On August 18, 2023, Sammy Sasso was tragically shot in a carjacking. Sasso spent 41 days in the hospital and it was uncertain in the days and months following the accident if Sasso would ever wrestle again. However, Sasso removed all doubt on Thursday evening in Columbus. Sasso made a successful return to the mat with a 12-6 win over Chattanooga’s Jackson Hurst. Check out the article below for a recap of the match.

"A win 607 days in the making!" 🗣️

The Savage is officially back for the @wrestlingbucks with his win tonight 🤩#B1GWrestling on @BigTenPlus 💻 pic.twitter.com/ohJ5YcrRkD

— Big Ten Wrestling (@B1GWrestling) November 15, 2024

Sasso, a two-time NCAA runner-up and three-time All-American at 149 pounds, wrestled Hurst up at 165 pounds. Hurst was in early on Sasso’s legs but Sasso scrambled through earning a takedown that he made look easy. After a quick escape from Hurst, Sasso went on the attack and finished a single leg to extend his lead. Sasso secured another takedown off an ankle pick and almost took Hurst through for back points with a bow and arrow but Hurst was able to roll through for a reversal to close out the period with Sasso leading 9-4. 

Sasso went down to start the second period and earned a reversal in about 30 seconds to extend his lead to 11-4. Sasso rode on top and almost got near fall again with a bow and arrow but Hurst was able to escape to close the score to 11-5 at the end of the second period. 

Hurst went down in the third period and Sasso let him up for an uncontested escape. Hurst was in on the legs a few times and Sasso almost locked up his signature cradle but Hurst defended long enough to force a stalemate and avoid giving up any points. Despite being down, hurst continued to attack but Sasso defended to fend off any scores to close the period giving Sasso the 12-6 win. 

What a performance from Sammy Sasso in his return! Sasso shared a special moment with his teammates walking off the mat as the home crowd gave him a standing ovation. We can expect Sasso to improve as the season unfolds and the announcers frequently shared throughout the broadcast that there’s a chance he wrestles at 157 pounds. Regardless of where Sasso wrestles, it’s incredible to see him back on the mat for Ohio State.

Sammy Sasso gets the win for @wrestlingbucks 😤#B1GWrestling pic.twitter.com/Rv1X7bpZxB

— Big Ten Wrestling (@B1GWrestling) November 15, 2024