5 Awesome Post-Retirement Men's Freestyle Comebacks

5 Awesome Post-Retirement Men's Freestyle Comebacks

Let’s get a little nostalgic and look at 5 men's freestyle wrestlers who made some big returns to the mat.

May 21, 2020 by Ryan Holmes
The Comeback (Trailer)

The Last Dance is over and I, myself, am left with so many feelings of nostalgia after watching Michael Jordan telestrate his dominance of the NBA in some of my most favorite iterations of Air Jordan sneakers. 

Within that story about past glory and drama was also the tale of the comeback. We also didn’t get the story of MJ’s return to the NBA with the Wizards, but let’s be honest, that part wasn’t why we were turning in every Sunday for weeks. But speaking of returns to action, there have been a few in the wrestling world that certainly have a little of the same flavor to it. 

So while we are all still clamoring for live sports, with a few glimmers of hope coming from the MMA and Grappling communities, let’s get a little nostalgic and look at 5 wrestlers who made some big returns to the mat. 

Jared Frayer

The 2012 Olympian spent 7 years in the corner coaching and came back to action at the US Open all because (drum roll, please) he lost a bet. The 40 year Virginia Tech coach may not have went home with the title, but he did give us some jackpot moments in Las Vegas.

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Jake Varner

As Frayer’s teammate on the 2012 Olympic Team, he came away with gold at 96kg. But he continued to compete until 2016 in the 97kg spot where he won the US Open twice. In his final season he finished second at Yarygin as well as the Olympic Trials. He also wrestled 125kg at the World Cup that same year as well.

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Jake Herbert

The World Silver medalist spent 2 years away from the mat before making a comeback at the 2015 U.S. Open. Ultimately, he went on to reclaim the spot that year and we were there to watch every second of his return. Check out episode 1 (below) and 2 of ‘The Comeback’.

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Dan Dennis

He’s one of the most interesting men in the wrestling world. His comeback story is unlike any other. He went completely off the grid only to return and become the 57kg Olympian at the 2016 games. Check out Dan Dennis: Wild Man to get his full story. [Episode 1 | Episode 2]

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Cael Sanderson

As if the legendary story of the head man at perennial powerhouse Penn State couldn’t get any better, he came out of retirement in 2011 to make another World Team and place 5th at the World Championships after retiring in 2004 when he won the Olympic gold at 84kg in Athens.

Match 2: Sanderson vs Jake Herbert

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