Final X is Saturday, June 19, at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, and will be streamed LIVE on FloWrestling. Final X determines the 2026 U.S. Senior World teams in two Olympic disciplines: men’s and women’s freestyle.
Below is a women’s freestyle preview of the 53-kilogram match between Cristelle Rodriguez and Elena Ivaldi.
Key Credentials
Elena Ivaldi, 21
2026 World Team Trials champion
2026 U23 Nationals (3rd)
2024 U23 World Team (8th)
2024 U23 Pan-Am bronze
2022 U17 World Team (9th)
Cristelle Rodriguez, 22
2026 Pan-Am bronze
2026 US Open champion
2026 U23 champion
2025 Senior World Team
3x NAIA champion (2024-26)
2024 U20 World champion
2023 U20 World teamer
2019 Cadet World silver medalist
2x California state champion (2019-20)
Match History: First meeting
How They Reached Final X
Rodriguez reached Final X by winning the 2026 US Open. She defeated Maddie Ripley (10-0), Harlee Hiller (10-0), Ali Paradise (6-0), Sydney Petzinger (10-0), and Sarah Hildebrandt (Inj. Default 3:52).
Ivaldi reached Final X by winning the 2026 World Team Trials Challenge Tournament. She defeated Isabella Marie Gonalez (Fall 3:32) and Sydney Petzinger (23-12).
What Should You Expect?
Ivaldi created a unique path to Final X. She finished third at the U23 National Championships at 55 kg before dropping to 53 for the US Open. Ivaldi lost in the opening round to 2024 Olympic gold medalist Sarah Hildebrandt before reeling off seven straight wins to place third.
That positioned her as the top seed at the World Team Trials since Hildebrandt announced she was out for the season with an injury. The Newcastle, California, native earned her spot against Rodriguez with a wild 23-12 win over Sydney Petzinger.
We know Ivaldi can score points in bunches, evidenced by a late leg lace against Petzinger that opened up the match. But can she score on someone as good as Rodriguez?
Rodriguez dropped from 55 and won the 2026 U.S. Open at 53 kg. She blitzed through the field and was leading Hildebrandt 6-2 in the finals before she injury defaulted. The Clovis, California, native completed her college career at Doane, where she won three NAIA titles. She is also a 2024 U20 World champion and 2025 Senior World Teamer at 55 kg.
The 22-year-old can score from all positions. She might dart in on your ankle only to surprise you with a throw during the next exchange. Ivaldi should be prepared for loads of diverse offense from this bright American star.
Rodriguez showed off her diverse offense at the 2024 U20 World Championships
Ivaldi and Petzinger put up 35 points during the World Team Trials final