Wrestling legends Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff are officially launching their highly anticipated professional freestyle wrestling league, Real American Freestyle (RAF), with the debut event set for August 30, 2025, at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland, Ohio.
Tickets are now available through RAF’s official website and Ticketmaster.
Giving Back to Wrestling
Proceeds from the event will benefit Cleveland State University’s wrestling program, which has faced funding challenges in recent years. RAF co-founder Chad Bronstein, a Cleveland native, emphasized the league’s commitment to supporting the growth of wrestling at the collegiate level.
This event isn’t just about entertainment, it’s about community, impact, and building the next generation of athletes, Bronstein stated.
Founders Speak Out
Hogan and Bischoff have teamed up with renowned coach Izzy Martinez to build a league that blends elite freestyle wrestling with strong storytelling and event production.
Cleveland’s got that gritty, real American spirit. It’s the perfect place to kick this off, said Hogan.
Confirmed Match Card
The RAF has officially announced four matches for the debut event, with more to be revealed soon. Each bout will follow a nine-minute format, designed to emphasize action and intensity.
🔥 Men’s Matches:
- Real Woods vs. Darrion Caldwell
- Austin Gomez vs. Lance Palmer
🔥 Women’s Matches:
- Sarah Hildebrandt vs. Zeltzin Guerra
- Kennedy Blades vs. Alejandra Arriaga
Additional matchups, including one featuring Aaron Brooks, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
What to Expect
The inaugural card will feature:
- 8 men’s matches
- 4 women’s matches
- High-stakes formats and prize incentives
- Compliance with NCAA and NIL guidelines
Star-Studded Lineup
RAF has secured commitments from some of the biggest names in American freestyle wrestling, including:
- Zahid Valencia
- Kennedy Blades
- Sarah Hildebrandt
These athletes bring Olympic, NCAA, and world-level experience to a league aiming to professionalize and elevate freestyle wrestling in the United States.
Event Details
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | August 30, 2025 |
| Location | Wolstein Center, Cleveland, Ohio |
| Ticket Info | Available now via Ticketmaster and RAF site |
| Charity Partner | Cleveland State University Wrestling Program |
| Match Format | Nine-minute matches with prize incentives |
| Founders | Hulk Hogan, Eric Bischoff, Chad Bronstein |
| Coach & Matchmaker | Izzy Martinez |
The Bottom Line
The RAF’s debut marks a major milestone in the evolution of professional wrestling in America. Combining elite talent, high-energy match formats, and a clear mission to give back, Real American Freestyle is set to deliver a groundbreaking event that could reshape the landscape of the sport.
Stay tuned for more match announcements and exclusive coverage leading up to August 30.