Women's Final X Interviews: Kennedy Blades, Macey Kilty, Kylie Welker, Everest Lydecker and Kayla Miracle

·22 min·2 clips

Kennedy Blades explains why losing Final X in 2023 changed her Olympic timeline and led her to choose Sunkist.

This episode of FloWrestling Radio Live features interviews with five women wrestlers—Kennedy Blades, Macey Kilty, Kylie Welker, Everest Lydecker, and Kayla Miracle—conducted the day before Final X 2025. The format is a series of one-on-one interviews, with hosts Christian Pyles and the FloWrestling crew asking questions about preparation, opponents, and personal journeys. Kennedy Blades opens by reflecting on her 2023 Final X loss to Adeline Gray, which influenced her decision to join Sunkist and her Olympic timeline. She details how losing every tournament before the 2024 Olympic trials taught her to maintain a childlike mentality and flip her mindset from negative to positive. Blades also discusses winning an Olympic silver medal, which boosted her confidence for domestic competitions like Final X. She explains her training split between Hawkeye Wrestling Club and Izzy Style, highlighting the benefits of different coaching styles and partners. Kylie Welker talks about her upcoming match against Diamond Guilford, recalling a mentally challenging bout after a loss to Yelena. She notes the depth of the 76 kg weight class in the U.S. and the growth of women's wrestling. Welker shares her journey from looking up to wrestlers like Macey Kilty as a child to now being teammates with her at Iowa. The episode touches on themes of resilience, faith, and the support systems within women's teams, such as the Iowa Women's Wrestling Program. Other wrestlers briefly mention their experiences, including training with partners like Kylie Welker and the transition from opponents to teammates. The hosts emphasize the upward trajectory of women's wrestling, with references to events like the US Open and Pan Ams. Overall, the episode provides insights into the athletes' mindsets and preparations for a high-stakes competition.

As heard by us

Final X talk links changing partnerships with the practical work still waiting before the next match.

Final X anchors the conversation, though the more useful texture comes from the details around it. Wrestlers sort through styles that may echo opponents on the world stage, the adjustment from rivals to teammates at different weights, and a preparation rhythm rooted in Iowa City…

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Why you'd press play

Step into a Final X conversation that keeps you close to Iowa City training, making weight, and the mindset before tomorrow's match.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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