Journalist Abby Hornacek was body-slammed by 22-year-old wrestler Kennedy Blades: Who is this young Olympian, and what exactly happened?

Nothing grabs attention quite like a wrestler flipping a reporter on live TV. It’s the kind of moment where pure power meets pure chaos in seconds. Recently, that exact scene played out with 22-year-old Kennedy Blades, a name already synonymous with strength, whether on Olympic podiums or in viral moments of sport and showmanship.

Blades’ suplex over a journalist steals the show, and the moment goes viral

During a Fox & Friends segment on March 28, 2026, reporter Abby Hornacek faced off with Kennedy Blades ahead of the Real American Freestyle wrestling event in Tampa, Florida. While previewing her match against Milana Dudieva, Blades showcased her signature suplex - lifting Hornacek overhead and safely slamming her onto a mat.

Hornacek admitted feeling "nervous" beforehand but jumped up, grinning, high-fiving Blades.


She posted the clip on X, captioning it, “Got suplexed by an Olympian today, so that was cool.” Hornacek later gushed on air, “That was awesome. I feel great. I feel like a million bucks.” The stunt aired live on Fox Nation.

Who is Kennedy Blades?

Kennedy Alexis Blades, born on September 4, 2003, is an American freestyle wrestler. She currently competes in the middleweight division for Real American Freestyle (RAF), where she holds the title of RAF Women's Middleweight Champion.


Blades earned a silver medal in the women's 76 kg category at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. She also claimed a bronze medal in the women's 68 kg event at the 2025 World Championships.


Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, Blades began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu at age four alongside her younger sister, Korina. By age seven, she transitioned to wrestling at a local club.


As a youth wrestler, she dominated boys' competitions, securing multiple championships. In 2016, she made history as the first girl to win the IKWF Illinois state title.

Blades wowed social media users

Blades' precision wowed viewers, YouTube clips praised her "perfect finesse" and body control, ensuring no injury. After the post went viral, she told BroBible that the attention positively spotlights women's wrestling. Hornacek called her a "true professional" and "kindest soul," asking, "Please, Kennedy … Can I please do this?"