Podcast Episodes

Yianni Was Wondering if it Was Time To Be Done, Then He Won The Open

Published April 29th, 2025 by Justin Basch

Fresh off winning the U.S. Open at 70kg, Yianni Diakomihalis returns to Baschamania with a lot to unpack. We dive into his transition to 70kg, what beating James Green meant to him, how a year off changed his approach, and what’s fueling him heading toward Final X and the World stage. Yianni opens up about sharpening his style without changing who he is, the mindset shifts he’s made, and what it means to represent the next generation of Team USA at the international level.

01:30 - How This Open Win Compares
03:30 - Having a Full Year Off
07:00 - The Transition to 70kg
10:00 - Cardenas & Bryce Wins
11:30 - Takeaways from Finals with Green
14:00 - Best of 3 Series at Final X
16:45 - Focusing on Green vs World Competition
19:00 - Only 26, But Already 26
22:30 - Being the Old Guy
23:00 - PJ Duke - Story
24:30 - Inspiration in the Young Guys
29:00 - Mindset Focus
33:00 - Evolving at This Point in Your Career
34:15 - Thoughts on the Current State of Team USA
39:00 - Impact of Guys Wrestling for Other Countries
45:45 - NIL’s Impact on RTC’s
58:00 - Simon Ruiz Story
01:00:50 - Fan Q&A

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