Real American Freestyle

Last updated
Real American Freestyle
Company type Subsidiary
Industry
FoundedApril 30, 2025;4 months ago (2025-04-30)
FoundersChad Bronstein
Terri Francis
Hulk Hogan
Headquarters
Tampa, Florida
,
United States
Key people
Owner Left Lane Capital
Website realamericanfreestyle.com

Real American Freestyle (RAF) is an American freestyle wrestling promotion owned by Left Lane Capital. It was founded in 2025 by Chad Bronstein, Terri Francis, and Hulk Hogan.

Contents

Competitors include current NCAA athletes, along with past collegiate wrestling and Olympic wrestling stars. The promotion provides an opportunity for wrestlers to profit from their craft, as historically both collegiate and Olympic wrestling do not allow compensation. A partnership with USA Wrestling allows current NCAA wrestlers to compete and receive compensation through NIL sponsorships.

The promotion debuted with its inaugural event, RAF 01, on August 30, 2025. Fox Nation is the official broadcast home of the promotion's flagship events. A weekly RAF television series will begin airing live in 2026.

History

2024: Planning and development

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. car with Real American Beer branding, March 2025 Ricky Stenhouse Jr. 47 Las Vegas 2025.jpg
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. car with Real American Beer branding, March 2025

Terri Francis was the former general counsel for Anheuser-Busch InBev, where she also served as their vice president of investment and innovation until 2022. [1] Chad Bronstein was president of Carma HoldCo until 2023, where he helped the company partner with Ric Flair to launch his Wooooo! Energy line of energy drinks. [2]

Bronstein and Francis partnered with Hulk Hogan to launch Real American Beer on June 13, 2024, a light beer manufactured by City Brewing Company that carried Hogan's likeness. [3] [4] The beer's name was a nod to "Real American", Hogan's longtime professional wrestling theme song. [5] WWE is a minority owner of Real American Beer. [6]

Bronstein's son Chase Bronstein attended a Chicago wrestling camp in 2024 that was led by UFC coach Israel "Izzy" Martinez. [7] Bronstein and Hogan were impressed by Chase's progress after the camp, and they began to develop plans with Martinez for a new sport wrestling venture. [4] [7]

2025: Promotion's launch

Hulk Hogan.jpg
Eric bischoff 2011 (cropped).png
RAF co-founder Hulk Hogan (left) and chief media officer Eric Bischoff

Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff announced the formation of Real American Freestyle on April 30, 2025. [8] The freestyle wrestling promotion is backed financially by Left Lane Capital and the venture capital fund Cassius, with $3.5 million raised at launch. [4] Chad Bronstein serves as chief executive officer, Bischoff as chief media officer, and Israel "Izzy" Martinez as chief operating officer. [8] [9]

Hogan and Bischoff said their goal with the promotion was to elevate and develop top-level competitive wrestlers into stars. [10] They planned on doing that by emphasizing the backstories of each athlete like The Voice does for its singers. [11] David Sahadi was hired as the promotion's multimedia producer to accomplish this, having previously worked with Bischoff. [12]

In May 2025, MOGL founder Brandon Wimbush was hired as the promotion's chief of staff, and MatScouts founder Willie Saylor was hired as the vice president of talent development. [13]

Wyatt Hendrickson (left) being congratulated by president Donald Trump after defeating Gable Steveson, March 2025 The White House - 54411967984.jpg
Wyatt Hendrickson (left) being congratulated by president Donald Trump after defeating Gable Steveson, March 2025

Wyatt Hendrickson was signed to the promotion's roster in June 2025. [14] Hulk Hogan cited mainstream coverage of Hendrickson's upset of Gable Steveson in the 2025 NCAA Division I Men's Wrestling Championships as a testament to the sport's popularity. [15] Steveson has a clothing line with Takedown Sportswear, the official manufacturer of RAF apparel. [16]

Fox Nation acquired the exclusive broadcast rights to air the promotion's flagship events in July 2025. [17] That same month, RAF co-founder and commissioner Hulk Hogan died. [18]

RAF 01 was held in co-founder Chad Bronstein's hometown of Cleveland, Ohio on August 30, 2025. [19] It featured a video tribute to co-founder Hulk Hogan that was produced by WWE. [20] Hogan's son Nick Hogan appeared at the show, where he began serving as the promotion's acting commissioner. [21] Wyatt Hendrickson won his main event match to become the inaugural RAF Heavyweight Champion. [22]

2026: Weekly television series

A weekly two-hour RAF television series will air live beginning in 2026. [23] Competitors on the television series will be wrestling for the chance to compete on an RAF flagship event. [24] Broadcast rights for the series are currently being shopped to various networks. [25]

Current champions

Men

DivisionWeightChampionSinceDaysDefenses
Heavyweight285 lbs. Flag of the United States.svg Wyatt Hendrickson August 30, 2025150
Light Heavyweight205 lbs. Flag of the United States.svg Bo Nickal August 30, 2025150
Cruiserweight190 lbs. Flag of the United States.svg Kyle Dake August 30, 2025150
Middleweight175 lbs. Flag of the United States.svg Evan Wick August 30, 2025150
Lightweight155 lbs. Flag of the United States.svg Yianni Diakomihalis August 30, 2025150
Featherweight145 lbs. Flag of the United States.svg Real Woods August 30, 2025150
Bantamweight135 lbs. Flag of the United States.svg Nathan Tomasello August 30, 2025150

Women

DivisionWeightChampionSinceDaysDefenses
Middleweight150 lbs.vacant–––
Strawweight120 lbs. Flag of the United States.svg Sarah Hildebrandt August 30, 2025150

Wrestler salaries and contracts

The promotion allows amateur wrestlers who excelled in collegiate wrestling and Olympic wrestling to continue their careers and earn money. [10]

USA Wrestling is a partner organization, allowing active NCAA wrestlers to compete and receive compensation through NIL sponsorships without it affecting their eligibility. [26] [27]

Most Valuable Promotions granted Holly Holm an exemption to compete at RAF 01. [28]

Rules

RAF utilizes modified United World Wrestling and USA Wrestling rules for freestyle wrestling. [29]

Each RAF event features matches that have three two-minute periods, with a 30-second break between periods. [30] Matches can end during regulation if a pinfall occurs, or if a technical fall is awarded when one competitor gains a 10-point lead over their opponent. [30] If a match does not end before time expires, the competitor with the highest score at the end of regulation is declared the winner. [30] There is no overtime, and in the event of a tie score at the end of regulation, the competitor who last scored points is declared the victor. [27]

The following point system is administered by the league:

Competitors can challenge an official's call using video review. [30] If a call is upheld, that competitor loses the ability to challenge again for the rest of the match, and their opponent is awarded 1 point. [30]

Events

RAF 01

RAF 01
PromotionReal American Freestyle
DateAugust 30, 2025
Venue Wolstein Center
City Flag of the United States.svg Cleveland, Ohio
Attendance4,500 [31]

RAF 01 was a freestyle wrestling event that took place on August 30, 2025 at the Wolstein Center of Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Ohio. [31] It was the inaugural event produced by the Real American Freestyle (RAF) promotion. Commentary for the live Fox Nation broadcast was provided by Kurt Angle, Bubba Jenkins and Chael Sonnen. [32] Holly Holm was the surprise replacement for Kennedy Blades, who was not cleared for the event by NCAA. [31] Tito Ortiz challenged Chael Sonnen to a match at RAF 02, which Sonnen accepted. [33] Mason Parris challenged RAF Heavyweight Champion Wyatt Hendrickson to a future match, which Hendrickson accepted. [34]

Main card (Fox Nation)
Weight classMethodRoundTimeNotes
Heavyweight Flag of the United States.svg Wyatt Hendrickson def. Flag of Egypt.svg Mostafa Elders Technical fall (14–1)21:08 [a]
Light Heavyweight Flag of the United States.svg Bo Nickal def. Flag of Cuba.svg Jacob Cardenas Decision (6–4)32:00 [b]
Women's Middleweight Flag of Mexico.svg Alejandra Rivera def. Flag of the United States.svg Holly Holm Decision (9–7)32:00 [c]
Cruiserweight Flag of the United States.svg Kyle Dake def. Flag of the United States.svg Dean Hamiti Technical fall (11–0)21:57 [d]
Featherweight Flag of the United States.svg Real Woods def. Flag of the United States.svg Darrion Caldwell Pinfall21:29 [e]
Women's Strawweight Flag of the United States.svg Sarah Hildebrandt def. Flag of Mexico.svg Zeltzin Hernandez Technical fall (11–0)30:36 [f]
Middleweight Flag of the United States.svg Evan Wick def. Flag of the United States.svg Jason Nolf Decision (10–8)32:00 [g]
Lightweight Flag of Mexico.svg Austin Gomez def. Flag of the United States.svg Lance Palmer Technical fall (11–0)11:02
Lightweight Flag of the United States.svg Yianni Diakomihalis def. Flag of India.svg Bajrang Punia Decision (5–1)32:00 [h]
Bantamweight Flag of the United States.svg Nathan Tomasello def. Flag of the United States.svg Matt Ramos Decision (4–3)32:00 [i]
  1. ↑ For the RAF Heavyweight Championship.
  2. ↑ For the RAF Light Heavyweight Championship.
  3. ↑ Holm replaced Kennedy Blades.
  4. ↑ For the RAF Cruiserweight Championship.
  5. ↑ For the RAF Featherweight Championship.
  6. ↑ For the RAF Women's Strawweight Championship.
  7. ↑ For the RAF Middleweight Championship.
  8. ↑ For the RAF Lightweight Championship.
  9. ↑ For the RAF Bantamweight Championship.

RAF 02

RAF 02
PromotionReal American Freestyle
DateOctober 25, 2025
Venue Rec Hall
City Flag of the United States.svg State College, Pennsylvania

RAF 02 is an upcoming freestyle wrestling event that will take place on October 25, 2025 at the Rec Hall of Pennsylvania State University in State College, Pennsylvania. [35] It will be the second event produced by the Real American Freestyle (RAF) promotion.

Main card (Fox Nation)
Weight classMethodRoundTimeNotes
Heavyweight Flag of the United States.svg Mason Parris vs. Flag of the United States.svg Kyle Snyder
Light Heavyweight Flag of the United States.svg Tito Ortiz vs. Flag of the United States.svg Chael Sonnen

    References

    1. ↑ "The Beer America Has Been Waiting for is Here, as Hulk Hogan Launches Real American Beer, Begins High-Impact Rollout". Financial Post . June 12, 2024. Retrieved September 9, 2025.
    2. ↑ Glasspiegel, Ryan (July 13, 2023). "Ric Flair's empire growing at 74 years old with unique energy drink: 'Makes you think!'". New York Post . Retrieved September 8, 2025.
    3. ↑ Samra, Christine (June 13, 2024). "Hulk Hogan is 'bringing America together' with new beer, brother". KTLA . Retrieved September 8, 2025.
    4. 1 2 3 Georgacopoulos, Christina (June 26, 2025). "Hulk Hogan's new Tampa wrestling league flops with fans". Tampa Bay Business Journal . Retrieved July 21, 2025.
    5. ↑ Kendall, Justin (June 14, 2024). "Hulk Hogan Launches Real American Light Lager". Brewbound. Retrieved July 21, 2025.
    6. ↑ O'Connell, Pete (January 6, 2025). "WWE To Become Minority Owner in Hulk Hogan's 'Real American Beer'". VinePair. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
    7. 1 2 Carter, Andrew (August 24, 2025). "Izzy Martínez built a wrestling empire in Chicago. Can he take the sport mainstream?". Chicago Tribune . Retrieved September 4, 2025.
    8. 1 2 Mejia-Hilario, Irving (April 30, 2025). "Hulk Hogan, Eric Bischoff launch Real American Freestyle wrestling league". Sports Business Journal . Retrieved July 20, 2025.
    9. ↑ Levy, Giana (July 22, 2025). "Fox Nation Teams Up with Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff for Real American Freestyle (TV News Roundup)". Variety . Retrieved July 22, 2025.
    10. 1 2 Reichlin, Michael (May 12, 2025). "Hogan and Bischoff Share Vision for Real American Freestyle Wrestling: 'This Is Pro-Pro Wrestling'". SEScoops. Retrieved July 20, 2025.
    11. ↑ Konuwa, Alfred (April 30, 2025). "Hulk Hogan And Eric Bischoff Talk Cena's Heel Turn, Unveil Real American Freestyle". Forbes . Retrieved July 20, 2025.
    12. ↑ Johnson, Mike (July 19, 2025). "DAVE SAHADI JOINS REAL AMERICAN FREESTYLE WRESTLING". PWInsider . Retrieved July 20, 2025.
    13. ↑ Bucholtz, Andrew (May 30, 2025). "Hulk Hogan's Real American Freestyle adds prominent execs in ex-Notre Dame QB Brandon Wimbush, MatScouts founder Willie Saylor". Awful Announcing . Retrieved July 20, 2025.
    14. ↑ Brunt, Cliff (June 4, 2025). "Wyatt Hendrickson, who stunned Olympic champ Gable Steveson, signs with Real American Freestyle". Associated Press . Retrieved July 21, 2025.
    15. ↑ Brunt, Cliff (April 30, 2025). "Pro wrestling icon Hulk Hogan to be commissioner of Real American Freestyle". Associated Press . Retrieved July 20, 2025.
    16. ↑ Brunt, Cliff (August 19, 2025). "Real American Freestyle announces apparel partnership with Takedown, talks with Gable Steveson". The Herald Bulletin . Retrieved August 23, 2025.
    17. ↑ Maglio, Tony (July 21, 2025). "Fox Nation Acquires TV Rights to Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff's New Wrestling League". The Hollywood Reporter . Retrieved July 21, 2025.
    18. ↑ Manfredi, Lucas (July 24, 2025). "Hulk Hogan, Wrestling Legend, Dies at 71". TheWrap . Retrieved July 24, 2025.
    19. ↑ Simmons, Jonathan X. (August 27, 2025). "Ohio native returns home to help launch the wrestling league he wishes existed when he graduated college". Cleveland.com . Retrieved August 31, 2025.
    20. ↑ Bona, Marc (August 8, 2025). "Hulk Hogan tribute planned at Cleveland wrestling event". Cleveland.com . Retrieved August 23, 2025.
    21. ↑ Harp, Justin (August 30, 2025). "Nick Hogan Honors Hulk Hogan at New Wrestling Promotion Event". Us Weekly . Retrieved August 31, 2025.
    22. ↑ Scott, Marshall (August 31, 2025). "Wyatt Hendrickson Wins RAF Heavyweight Title at RAF 01". Pistols Firing. Retrieved September 4, 2025.
    23. ↑ Thompson, Andrew (August 21, 2025). "Eric Bischoff Announces Real American Freestyle Will Launch Live Weekly Series In First Quarter Of 2026". Fightful. Retrieved August 23, 2025.
    24. ↑ Mutter, Eric (September 12, 2025). "WWE HOFer Eric Bischoff Details Future Plans For Real American Freestyle". MSN . Retrieved September 12, 2025.
    25. ↑ Maglio, Tony (September 6, 2025). "Eric Bischoff Talks Hulk Hogan's Death and the Two-Hour Weekly (Real) Wrestling Show He's Shopping". The Hollywood Reporter . Retrieved September 12, 2025.
    26. ↑ Bona, Marc (June 20, 2025). "Hulk Hogan-backed wrestling league debuting in Cleveland". Cleveland.com . Retrieved July 20, 2025.
    27. 1 2 Abbott, Gary. "Nine Things to Know About Real American Freestyle 01". National Wrestling Hall of Fame . Retrieved September 5, 2025.
    28. ↑ Mindenhall, Chuck (September 3, 2025). "The GOAT of women's combat sports as a whole? Holly Holm has a strong case". Yahoo Sports . Retrieved September 12, 2025.
    29. ↑ Smith, Earl (August 7, 2025). "Learning More about RAF from Izzy Martinez". InterMat. Retrieved September 5, 2025.
    30. 1 2 3 4 5 "Freestyle Wrestling Rules Explained: How Real American Freestyle Matches Work". Real American Freestyle. August 18, 2025. Retrieved September 4, 2025.
    31. 1 2 3 Gilles, Dan (August 30, 2025). "Real American Freestyle wrestling debuts in Cleveland with Hulk Hogan tribute and 8 title matches". Cleveland.com . Retrieved August 31, 2025.
    32. ↑ Knight, Cain A. (July 17, 2025). "Kurt Angle officially joins Hulk Hogan's Real American Freestyle wrestling". Yahoo Sports . Retrieved July 20, 2025.
    33. ↑ Flanagan, Neal (August 31, 2025). "Holly Holm competes in surprise match-up at Real American Freestyle debut event, Chael Sonnen accepts challenge from Tito Ortiz". POST Wrestling . Retrieved August 31, 2025.
    34. ↑ Johnson, Mike (August 31, 2025). "FORMER WWE STAR TO COMPETE IN REAL AMERICAN FREESTYLE?, TOP TNA EXEC VISITS AND MORE RAF01 NEWS AND NOTES FOLLOWING DEBUT EVENT". PWInsider . Retrieved August 31, 2025.
    35. ↑ Stockburger, George (September 11, 2025). "RAF02 ticket information, new date released for Penn State event". WHTM-TV . Retrieved September 11, 2025.
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