JoJo Aragona, Nick Suriano Highlight Rutgers Wrestling at Beat the Streets in NYC

The Beat the Streets event is one of the best that wrestling has to offer.

The mission of Beat the Streets NYC Wrestling is to develop the full human and athletic potential of the urban youth and to strengthen the wrestling culture within New York City.

The 2019 card featured three Rutgers Scarlet Knights past, present and future: Anthony Ashnault, Nick Suriano, and JoJo Aragona. The event features some of the world’s best, as well as NCAA Champions and All-Americans. Below are the results of the competing Scarlet Knights as well as the main event: Olympic Gold Medalist Jordan Burroughs and current undefeated UFC star and former 2x NCAA Champion Ben Askren.

JoJo Aragona vs. Adam Busiello (138 lbs. due to high school matchup) - Aragona win by FALL 4:02

-What a performance from the future Scarlet Knight. Aragona will arrive in Piscataway this Fall, but it didn’t take long for Rutgers fans to get a fantastic glimpse at his potential.

Going up against five-time New York State Champion Adam Busiello, Aragona was ready to show off his freestyle skills. After a slow start, Aragona was eventually put on the shot clock for passivity. With 1:02 remaining in the first period, he earned his first takedown. Then, the blast double happened. Aragona drove Busiello off the stage for a four point takedown (takedown plus back exposure). The second period featured more attacks and a finish with a pancake and Busiello had no chance.

Anthony Ashnault vs. James Green (70 kg): Green win by decision 8-4

-It didn’t look pretty early on as Ashnault gave up two takedowns to the two-time world medalist. Green certainly looked a little quicker and stronger in the early goings.

Ashnault would get close to a takedown late in the first period on two separate occasions, but Green’s defense won the battle. After two push outs and another takedown, Ashnault was down 8-0, in danger of losing by tech fall. Then, we saw “Shnaulty.” He had two impressive takedowns, including one via a pass by in neutral and nearly pulled off the improbably comeback. The ability is there for Ashnault to succeed at the international level and earn spots on World and Olympic teams, but Green showed why he is the still the man at 70 kg.

Green also gave Ashnault a little good-natured ribbing after the match.

Nick Suriano vs. Joe Colon (61 kg): Suriano win by decision 3-1

-Wow! Suriano fought off a shot clock violation by holding off Colon in the second period to even it up a one a piece after Colon’s violation. Then, with 26 seconds left, Suriano caught Colon off guard with a single leg, switched off to a double. Colon grabbed around the waist but Suriano broke through and got the winning takedown.

I think freestyle wrestling is coming in the near future for Suriano. He has Olympic goals but some other potential side projects under wraps. He just put his name on the map in USA Wrestling.

Jordan Burroughs vs. Ben Askren (74 kg): Burroughs win by tech fall 11-0

-It was hyped but it was all Burroughs. Askren was up against it considering he’s been in MMA for nearly a decade as he is currently No. 5 at Welterweight in the UFC. We’re talking nine years between official competition for Askren. Burroughs hit a bunch of hard takedowns for an 11-0 tech fall. But, there was plenty of respect shown by both wrestlers at the end.