The 2025 PRCA season is delivering one of rodeo’s most exciting storylines in years, the rise of 19-year-old Wacey Schalla as a true two-event threat to Stetson Wright’s all-around dominance. Wright, a five-time consecutive all-around world champion (2019–2023), has rarely faced a challenger capable of competing with him in both bull riding and another riding event. Until now.

Schalla, from Oklahoma, burst onto the scene last year by qualifying for the NFR in bull riding and ranking 27th in bareback riding at just 18. This season, he’s surged into contention on both fronts. In bull riding, Schalla’s victories at Calgary, Cheyenne Extreme Bulls, and the National Western Stock Show have him less than $2,000 behind Wright, with both on pace to break the regular season earnings record.

Meanwhile, bareback riding wins in Salt Lake City, the Mountain Valley Stampede, and the Farm City Pro Rodeo have propelled Schalla from 19th to 13th in the bareback standings,  putting him on track to qualify for the NFR in both events.

If he does, Schalla will join only Wright in achieving that feat this decade, setting the stage for what could become rodeo’s next great rivalry.