Two fierce matchups back to back left Stetson Wright helped from the arena, but the all-around leader’s fight for three gold buckles is far from over.
Round 7 of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo held the most dramatic and scary moments yet. In the bull riding, the eliminator pen sure lived up to its name. There were only two qualified rides.
For the incredible Stetson Wright, the night included a standout bronc ride, one violent bull ride followed by another brutal reride, and a bunch of worried fans watching the world champ get helped out of the arena.
Wright began the night on a high note, marking a strong 88.5-point ride in the saddle bronc riding to tie Zeke Thurston for second. After the controversial missed-out call in Round 6 that took him out of the average race, this ride served as a powerful rebound.
Stetson’s first bull of the night, Big Rich’s Dinner for Two, caused trouble immediately. As the bull left the chute, he hung himself up and slammed into the gate, launching Wright and twisting his body in ways no athlete is meant to bend.
Wright got to his feet, but not without concern. Limping noticeably on his right leg and hip, he still made his way back up the chutes. The reride option was issued, and Stetson, hurt or not, was prepared to nod his head again.
Superman being Superman.
His reride bull was Buck Nasty, the bull JR Stratford had drawn before turning out due to injuries suffered in Round 6. Known for big powerful moves, Buck Nasty lived up to his reputation.
Stetson was yanked down almost immediately. He was then hung up in his bull rope, dragged, and stepped on. Thomas & Mack was silent as fans watched the 8-time world champion lie still in the dirt.
The Justin Sports Medicine Team and Dr. Tandy Freeman rushed in. After a couple scary moments, Wright managed to get to his feet, but he had to be helped slowly out of the arena.
Minutes later, the Post Show delivered an update everyone was anxiously waiting for. Katy Lucas reported that instead of heading directly into the Justin Sports Medicine Room, Wright walked into the saddle bronc locker room.
Shaken up and hurting, but still walking on his own.
As of now, Stetson is listed as probable to compete for Round 8. If he were to miss tonight, PRCA rules would also force him to miss Round 9.
Despite the wreck, Stetson still leads the PRCA bull riding standings and continues to lead the all-around by a little over $100,000. However things continue to change.
Ky Hamilton remains the biggest threat in the bull riding, covering 5 of 7 bulls and leading the average. Stetson has covered 4 and sits second in the average and first in the world standings. Wacey Schalla, who entered Vegas as a top all-around threat, has only covered 2 bulls so far but still sits second in the world. With three rounds left, this race is still unpredictable.
Wacey Schalla leads the bareback riding average, giving him a potential path to catch Stetson, but only if Wacey can make up ground in the bull riding.
Before Round 6, predictions of a Wrights Triple Crown run were everywhere. For clarity, the Triple Crown in rodeo would mean he was the 2025 World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider, World Champion Bull Rider, and World Champion All-Around Cowboy.
This is a feat only a handful of men in history have ever been capable of, and Stetson remains one of them. The controversial call in Round 6 followed by two brutal wrecks in Round 7 have taken a toll on both his body and the standings.
Still, if there’s one thing the rodeo world knows, it’s this...
You don’t count out Superman.
The NFR is where legends are made, and sometimes, where they’re tested the hardest too. Round 7 reminded every fan watching that bull riding is not just another sport, it’s a fight, and even the greatest aren’t actually invincible.
But as Donny Gay said on the broadcast, at this level, it’s not if you get hurt, it’s when. When you’re Stetson Wright, the comeback is known to be stronger than the setback.
Three rounds remain, and the world is watching and cheering.
Prayers for strength and healing sent to Stetson and any of the athletes facing injuries and setbacks at this year's Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.