Real American Freestyle Bolsters Roster with Wrestling Superstars

Real American Freestyle (RAF), the upstart professional wrestling league aiming to revolutionize freestyle wrestling, has announced the addition of five prominent names to its burgeoning roster. With its inaugural event slated for August 30th, the league continues to generate buzz and anticipation among wrestling fans and athletes alike. The newly signed wrestlers include David Carr, Kyle Dake, Trent Hidlay, Kyle Snyder, and Aaron Brooks, all renowned for their accomplishments in collegiate and international wrestling competitions.

These athletes will be represented by SuckerPunch Entertainment, a sports management agency specializing in combat sports, underscoring the league’s commitment to attracting top-tier talent and professionalism. The signings mark a significant step forward for RAF, solidifying its vision of creating a platform for freestyle wrestlers to showcase their skills and pursue professional careers beyond the traditional amateur circuits.

"David, Kyle, Aaron, Trent, and Kyle represent the best of the best, and that’s who we’re targeting for Real American Freestyle," proclaimed Hulk Hogan, the legendary pro wrestler and commissioner of RAF, in a news release. Hogan’s involvement lends considerable credibility and mainstream appeal to the league, signaling its ambition to elevate freestyle wrestling to new heights of popularity and recognition.

"Our goal is to give these athletes an opportunity to continue their careers, create a platform for greatness, and inspire a legacy that lasts," Hogan emphasized, highlighting the league’s commitment to providing wrestlers with a viable career path and the chance to build lasting legacies within the sport.

A Closer Look at the New Signings

The incoming wrestlers bring a wealth of experience and accolades to RAF:

David Carr: A two-time national champion at Iowa State University, Carr also boasts an Under-20 World Championship title. His aggressive style and relentless pursuit of takedowns make him a formidable competitor and a valuable asset to the league.

Kyle Dake: A decorated wrestler with both collegiate and international success, Dake won a bronze medal at both the Tokyo and Paris Olympics. He also distinguished himself as a four-time national champion at Cornell University, showcasing his versatility and dominance across different weight classes. Dake’s technical prowess and experience on the world stage will undoubtedly make him a standout performer in RAF.

Aaron Brooks: Brooks, a four-time national champion from Penn State University, further solidified his wrestling pedigree with a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. His accomplishments speak to his exceptional skill and dedication, making him a highly anticipated addition to the RAF roster.

Trent Hidlay: A four-time All-American at N.C. State University, Hidlay consistently demonstrated his competitive edge and resilience. While he never captured a national championship, he secured four ACC titles, underscoring his dominance within the conference. Hidlay’s tenacity and consistent performance make him a valuable addition to the league’s roster, and he will look to prove his ability to excel in this new format.

Kyle Snyder: Nicknamed "Captain America," Snyder is a wrestling icon. The former Ohio State star achieved the distinction of being the youngest-ever athlete to win a world, NCAA, and Olympic championship in the same year. Notably, he was also the first Olympic gold medalist to return to college wrestling, further cementing his commitment to the sport. Snyder also served on the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition during President Donald Trump’s first term, revealing his involvement in sports at a national level.

Earlier Signings and League Vision

Previously announced wrestlers Ben Askren, Kennedy Blades, and Zahid Valencia were the first athletes to join Real American Freestyle upon its launch. These wrestlers complement the current roster of RAF athletes.

Hogan and Eric Bischoff, another wrestling industry veteran, have been vocal about their vision for RAF. They told Fox News Digital that they are trying to bring freestyle wrestling into the mainstream sports landscape. Bischoff highlighted the underserved nature of the sport, stating, "It’s a completely underserved sport, meaning there’s no professional league that allows these amateurs to evolve like they would in any other sports, and it’s such an underserved market, and I know, having spent a little bit of time in amateur wrestling as a kid, these are unique athletes."

Bischoff further emphasized the unique mindset and dedication required for success in wrestling: "Every athlete is committed, they have to be disciplined, but there’s something about individual sports, particularly, wrestling, it’s just a different kind of grind, and you have to be wired a little differently to be successful at it."

August 30th Inaugural Event

The first set of matches for Real American Freestyle is scheduled for August 30th, marking the official launch of the league. Fans and wrestling enthusiasts eagerly await the event, which promises to showcase the athleticism, skill, and competitive spirit of the sport’s top practitioners. The league hopes to capitalize on the excitement and momentum generated by these recent signings and establish itself as a premier destination for freestyle wrestlers seeking professional opportunities and recognition.

RAF’s commitment to promoting and developing freestyle wrestling, combined with the star power of its athletes and leadership, positions it for potential success in the evolving landscape of combat sports. The league’s long-term impact on the sport remains to be seen, but its initial efforts have already generated considerable interest and anticipation among fans and athletes alike. The first event will be a true test of the league, and the wrestling community will be watching closely.

As the league continues to grow and evolve, Real American Freestyle aims to reshape the perception of freestyle wrestling, transforming it from a niche sport into a mainstream attraction with a dedicated fan base and a thriving professional ecosystem.