“Robbing of the Century” – Fans Erupt as PJ Duke Loses Match After Controversial Takedown Reversal at NCAA SF

PJ Duke lost his spot at the 157-pound final of the NCAA Wrestling Championships after a controversial takedown reversal during the tournament’s semifinal. This controversial incident garnered the attention of fans, who expressed their dismay over the call.

The semifinals took place on the second day of the tournament between Duke and Oklahoma’s Landon Robideau. After a scoreless first period, the latter secured the lead by 1-0 by claiming an escape in eight seconds.

Further in the showdown, Duke appeared to secure a takedown; however, it was reversed after Oklahoma coach David Taylor asked for a review, challenging the call.

Eventually, the bout was won by Robideau with a 3-1 decision by tiebreaker. With this win, he booked his place in the finals, ending the top seed’s journey at the NCAA Championships.

FloWrestling shared a video of the controversial takedown review that quickly captured the attention of the fans online, who took a stand for Duke, stating that he was robbed of the takedown.

One of the users on X, furious with the decision, commented:

“Should be the most discussed robbing of the century. The refs involved should be fired.”

Another fan claimed that it was a takedown, writing:

“This has NEVER not been a takedown.”

Disappointed with the reversal, another fan commented:

“Duke got absolutely robbed.”

Breaking down the position of both the wrestlers, one of the users shared their opinions that read:

“Congrats to Robideau but PJ Duke got HOSED. How can you restart the match on the feet when he has a cradle locked up??? Also that was 3 all day, cradle locked with opponent on a hip.”

Along the similar lines, a few other fans chimed in, writing:

“i’m fucking lost. i have no idea how any of the officials involved on the mat or on the vid review could ever be used again.”

“That’s brutal from the ref. You let the sequence go and Duke has it won with the cradle. Can’t stop it there,” another follower wrote.

Before commencing his NCAA campaign, PJ Duke competed at the Big Ten Championships, where he secured a smooth win.

PJ Duke Opened up About his Victory Over Top Seed at Big Ten Wrestling Championships 

In the final bout of the 157 pound at the 2026 Big Ten Championships, PJ Duke bested the top seed and defending champion, Antrell Taylor of Nebraska, with an impressive 12-4 major decision. Following this victory, he addressed the media, where he weighed in on the match, crediting his coaches for the win. Calling them the best, he said:

“I have the best the best coaches in the world and you know, obviously they help me a lot making adjustments and that was kind of my own my own problem in the first match, too. I wasn’t wrestling hard enough and that’s on me and I made that change and things went my way.”