Wrestling is a combat sport that relies on anaerobic energy systems. Imbalance in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and consumption activates the purine nucleotide cycle (PNC) and leads to accumulation of metabolites such as hypoxanthine (HX). This study compared the acute effects of two common wrestling training protocols—circuit-based wrestling techniques and traditional training—on PNC indices and plasma lactate. In a quasi-experimental design, 21 young male wrestlers (mean age 17.2 ± 0.8 years) were homogenized by body weight and divided into two groups: 10 in the circuit group and 11 in the traditional group. Blood samples were collected before and immediately after a training session equivalent to two 6-minute matches with 5 minutes of recovery between them. The circuit group performed six wrestling techniques (low-back throw, thunder, one-hand one-leg, fito, underhook twist, suplex) for 30 seconds at maximum intensity without rest between stations, followed by 30 seconds of rest and repetition; the entire protocol was repeated after 5 minutes of recovery. The traditional group performed standard wrestling drills (technique repetition with partner, shadow wrestling, and light sparring) in the same timeframe. Measured indices included hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT) activity, and plasma concentrations of hypoxanthine, uric acid, and lactate. Statistical analysis was conducted using independent t-tests, paired t-tests, and two-way ANOVA (group × time) in SPSS version 27, with significance set at p<0.05. No significant differences were observed between groups in any variable. Within-group analysis showed a significant increase in hypoxanthine concentration in the circuit group (mean change = 40.55 ng/µL, p=0.03) and traditional group (mean change = 53.47 ng/µL, p=0.006). Lactate concentration also increased significantly in the circuit group (mean change = 67.75 mg/dL, p<0.0001) and traditional group (mean change = 47.23 mg/dL, p=0.001). HGPRT activity and uric acid concentration showed no significant changes in either group. A single wrestling training session, regardless of protocol, activates the purine nucleotide cycle, as reflected by increased hypoxanthine and plasma lactate concentrations. The lack of difference between protocols indicates similar metabolic stress in both methods. These findings are useful for optimizing training and recovery programs in young wrestlers.