Breakdown is great- thank you! Are you going to do an Iran/USA one too? Here's what I'm thinking:
57kg - Mongush (from southern Siberia- I call him Nacho Mongoose) has steadily ascended but Spencer too much horsepower. As an aside, it is mindboggling how big Russia (still) is. 1-0 USA
61kg - I'm picking Arujao (over both Forrest and Aguev). If Forrest beats Arujao, I think Aguev beats Forrest- too much experience and I'm a sucker for a super duck. 2-0 USA (Arujao), 1-1 (Forrest)
65kg - Mamedov is very good...too good. Real's benefit of being unknown internationally doesn't help him here. 2-1 USA (Arujao), 1-2 Russia (Forrest)
70kg - This is Baev's weight until someone beats him. Not PJ Duke this time around. 2-2 (Arujao), 1-3 Russia (Forrest)
74kg - I heard Sidakov was going to miss, but he looks just fine on social media; I expect him to wrestle. Russia has lost so many good guys at this weight to other countries, but no matter who they send, likely still beat Carr. His match with Salkazanov was telling as to where he's at internationally (although I'm still picking him for Bronze). 2-3 Russia (Arujao), 1-4 Russia (Forrest).
79kg - Haines has gotten a lot better and might surprise someone, but it won't be Usmanov 2-4 Russia (Arujao), 1-5 (Forrest).
86kg - Zahid's always good for 2 TDs (and apparently a turn if he transitions from a TD) per match. I think the Russians are high on Kadiev for good reason, but this is Zahid's weight to lose. 3-4 Russia (Arujao), 2-5 (Forrest).
92kg - I think Russia sends Bagaev. Trent is a very sneaky edge of mat wrestler- low center of gravity, neutralizes opponents with his underhook and his pressure will be the difference in 2nd period. 4-4 (Arujao), 3-5 (Forrest)
97kg - I've typed too much already- Sadulaev 4-5 Russia (Arujao), 3-6 Russia (Forrest)
125kg - I don't know who RUS sends here- it's kryptonite and crazy they haven't developed a good heavyweight in a decade. Hendrickson wins. 5-5 (Arujao), 4-6 Russia (Forrest).
That settled nothing for me! haha!