Real American Freestyle is more than just a new league—it’s a movement. By uniting Olympic-caliber talent with the razzle-dazzle of sports entertainment, it has the potential to redefine how wrestling is packaged and presented to the world
With the likes of Kyle Dake and Kyle Snyder anchoring the competition, and Hulk Hogan overseeing it as commissioner, the 2025 season could set the tone for a bold new chapter in the sport.
Whether you’re a wrestling purist or an entertainment junkie, Real American Freestyle offers something for everyone—and that’s a formula worth watching.
In a world that often celebrates youth and quick success, Kyle Dake’s journey is a refreshing reminder that greatness can come with time.
At 33, he’s still giving his all, still finding new reasons to love wrestling, and still making his country proud.
Whether or not we see him compete in another Olympics, Dake’s story will continue to resonate—with athletes, with parents, and with anyone who’s ever chased a dream while juggling life’s many roles.
Because in the end, it’s not just about winning—it’s about loving what you do, and doing it with purpose.
Also Read: Rebeca Andrade Teases Olympic Comeback: Will Paris 2028 Be Her Grand Stage Again?
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Kyle Dake: Real American Freestyle
A New Era in Wrestling Backed by Legends
In a bold and unexpected twist to the wrestling world, Olympic medalists Kyle Dake and Kyle Snyder have officially confirmed their participation in the inaugural season of Real American Freestyle—a groundbreaking freestyle wrestling league supported by none other than WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan.1
Set to launch in August 2025 in Cleveland, the league promises a hybrid of Olympic-style action and the flamboyant charisma of pro wrestling.
The Birth of Real American Freestyle
The idea behind Real American Freestyle reportedly took root after a dramatic encounter at the 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships, where Wyatt Hendrickson stunned the world with his dominant performance against Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson.
That epic showdown created a ripple effect in the wrestling world, inspiring a format that would bring high-level, unscripted freestyle matches to a broader audience.
And more importantly thank God for all of those things below and more! https://t.co/NsTBO7ksZf
— Kyle Dake (@kyledake444) April 27, 2025
With Hulk Hogan as commissioner and veteran pro wrestling executive Eric Bischoff on board as Chief Media Officer, the league aims to merge traditional wrestling grit with entertainment industry storytelling—without sacrificing the sport’s authenticity.
Weight Class Structure: A Balanced Approach
The league has announced a well-thought-out structure with eight men’s weight classes and four women’s divisions.
While the focus so far has been on male stars, the inclusion of women’s freestyle divisions is a progressive step. More details about the female athletes expected to participate are anticipated in the coming weeks.
This structure ensures depth and diversity across the board, providing opportunities for rising stars and seasoned veterans alike to make their mark.
Kyle Dake Seeks Redemption After US Open Setback
Four-time world champion and Olympic bronze medalist Kyle Dake enters Real American Freestyle with a point to prove.2
At the 2025 US Open Wrestling Championships, Dake made headlines by stepping up two weight classes from his usual 74kg to compete in the 86kg category.
In a stunning upset, he lost to Zahid Valencia, a two-time NCAA champion, which became a focal point for critics and fans alike.
Rather than retreat, Dake used the loss as motivation and became one of the first elite athletes to commit to the Real American Freestyle. Known for his technical prowess and mat IQ, Dake’s presence adds immediate credibility to the league’s roster.
Kyle Snyder Dominates Ahead of League Debut
While Dake faced adversity, Kyle Snyder, the 2016 Olympic gold medalist and multiple-time world champion, continued his reign of dominance.
At the same US Open Championships, Snyder overwhelmed Jonathan Aiello with a technical fall victory of 11-0 in the 97kg final, reinforcing his position as the undisputed king of the division.
Snyder’s commitment to Real American Freestyle ensures that fans will witness one of the most decorated American wrestlers of all time compete in this revolutionary league. His consistent success and leadership are expected to draw fans from both amateur and professional wrestling spheres.
The Hulk Hogan Factor: Wrestling Icon Turns Commissioner
Few figures in wrestling history carry the mainstream appeal of Hulk Hogan. His involvement as commissioner brings with it a blend of nostalgia, spectacle, and star power.
Hogan’s vision for the league, according to early reports, is to keep the competition unscripted while infusing elements of drama, storylines, and presentation typically seen in sports entertainment.
Hogan’s iconic “Real American” theme song and persona align perfectly with the league’s branding, promising a patriotic and passionate showcase of elite American wrestlers.
His partnership with Eric Bischoff, who helped create wrestling empires like WCW and revitalized WWE in the 2000s, points to a high production value and savvy media rollout.
Elite Roster: Carr, Brooks, Hidlay, and Valencia Join the Revolution
Joining Dake and Snyder are a host of other elite names who will provide stiff competition across weight classes. Among them are:
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David Carr: The former NCAA champion and freestyle standout is expected to bring high-octane offense and youthful energy to the mat.
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Aaron Brooks: A dominant force at 86kg, Brooks’ rivalry with Zahid Valencia is one to watch in the upcoming season.
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Trent Hidlay: Known for his relentless pace and powerful upper-body game, Hidlay’s style is tailor-made for fan-friendly matchups.
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Zahid Valencia: Fresh off his win over Dake, Valencia is poised to be one of the marquee names in the 86kg division, potentially setting up a highly anticipated rematch.
With such a rich pool of talent, Real American Freestyle is poised to deliver thrilling matches and new rivalries with every event.
Kyle Dake: From Cleveland to the East Coast
The inaugural season of Real American Freestyle is set to debut in Cleveland, Ohio in August 2025, before making its way to Michigan in September and New Jersey in October.3
Each stop is expected to be a major event, drawing regional fan bases and national attention.
These strategically chosen cities are steeped in wrestling tradition, making them ideal locations to kickstart a league that aims to blend sporting excellence with showmanship.
Real and Raw: Unscripted Yet Entertaining
One of the league’s most compelling features is its commitment to unscripted competition. Unlike professional wrestling where outcomes are predetermined, Real American Freestyle guarantees genuine athletic contests.
However, the events will still embrace production elements like dramatic entrances, in-depth storytelling, and crowd engagement to elevate the viewer experience.
This hybrid approach could be the key to bridging the gap between hardcore wrestling purists and fans of sports entertainment, making the league accessible to wider demographics.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Expectations
Launching a new wrestling league in a crowded sports market is no easy feat. Real American Freestyle must strike a careful balance between credibility and entertainment.
The involvement of Olympic and world-level wrestlers ensures competitive legitimacy, but sustaining audience interest beyond the novelty of the launch will be the real challenge.
Marketing strategies, broadcasting rights, and athlete compensation will all play crucial roles in the league’s long-term success. With Bischoff handling media and Hogan lending star power, the framework is there for something special.
Bridging Generations: A Wrestling Renaissance?
There is a unique generational bridge forming through Real American Freestyle. On one hand, you have established stars like Dake and Snyder who carry the prestige of global medals and national championships.
On the other, you have the involvement of 1980s and 1990s wrestling icons like Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff, who bring decades of entertainment knowledge.
Together, they may be creating something that resonates with both new wrestling fans and older generations who grew up watching Saturday night wrestling shows.
If successful, this league could spark a renaissance in how American wrestling is consumed and celebrated.
Also Read: Teenager to Gold Medalist: At What Age Did Henry Cejudo Become an Olympic Champion?
Kyle Dake’s Passion Burns Bright at 33
In the high-stakes world of Olympic wrestling, where physical strength, mental fortitude, and years of discipline converge, many athletes begin to fade by their early thirties.
But Kyle Dake, a veteran in the sport and a four-time world champion, continues to thrive. At 33, Dake secured a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics in the 74 kg category.
While it wasn’t the gold he had hoped for, his love for the sport and drive to compete remain as strong as ever.
After his match against Serbia’s Khetag Tsabolov, which ended in a 10-4 result in Tsabolov’s favor, Dake sat down with Flo Wrestling to share not just his thoughts on the match, but what it’s like competing at this stage in his career.
Despite the bruises, the soreness, and the challenges of making weight, Dake’s enthusiasm for wrestling has not waned.
Pushing Through the Pain: A Veteran’s Perspective
“Muscles feel a little sore,” Dake admitted with a stretch of his neck. “The weight is still a thing. It just takes a lot out of you.”
For Dake, the physical toll of the sport is no secret. Wrestling, especially at the elite international level, demands a level of physical and mental intensity that only a few can sustain.
At 33, recovery takes longer, and cutting weight becomes increasingly taxing. But Dake isn’t one to complain; his words carry the tone of someone who accepts the grind as part of the lifestyle he’s chosen.
He doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the challenges—he embraces them. In fact, he speaks with a calm, almost meditative acceptance of what it means to push his body to the limit. Yet, through it all, his core message is clear: he still loves it.
Why He Keeps Going: The Love for Wrestling
“I love wrestling. It’s fun, you know,” Dake said simply. “Even though I didn’t get what I wanted. Even if I had the gold medal, I’d still have the same answer… I still love doing it. I still love competing.”
Dake’s voice didn’t carry disappointment or bitterness. Instead, it reflected a deep-rooted joy—a love for the sport that transcends podium finishes. For him, wrestling isn’t just about medals or titles. It’s about the feeling of stepping onto the mat, testing himself, and evolving through competition.
His mindset reveals a true competitor—someone who finds fulfillment not only in winning but in the process itself. The routine, the training, the matches—they’re not burdens but blessings.
Kyle Dake: Legacy Beyond the Mat
Kyle Dake’s career has already cemented him as one of the most respected American wrestlers of his generation.
Four world titles, two Olympic bronze medals, and a reputation for technical excellence and grit define his résumé.
But Dake is also aware that legacy isn’t just about accolades. It’s about impact. He speaks frequently about giving back to the wrestling community, mentoring younger athletes, and raising the bar for American wrestling.
Even in defeat, Dake stands tall—not just as an athlete, but as a role model.
Facing New Generations: The Changing Wrestling Landscape
The field in 2024 is not the same as it was a decade ago. Younger athletes are faster, the sport has evolved tactically, and competition is fiercer than ever. But rather than resist this change, Dake embraces it.
He continues to adapt his training and techniques, understanding that longevity requires evolution. His ability to remain relevant in a constantly shifting landscape is a testament to his intelligence and resilience as an athlete.
While he hasn’t officially hinted at retirement, Dake’s comments naturally raise the question of what lies ahead.
Will he try to compete in another Olympic cycle? Could coaching or mentoring be next? For now, he seems content just doing what he loves for as long as his body allows.
He’s not chasing an endpoint. He’s living in the present, savoring each match and every opportunity to step on the mat.
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A Role Model for Athletes Young and Old
Dake’s story serves as inspiration not only for young athletes looking to rise through the ranks but also for older ones who wonder if it’s too late to keep pushing.
His presence at 33 on the Olympic podium sends a clear message: passion, discipline, and heart don’t have an expiration date.
He shows that success isn’t always about peaking early. Sometimes, the most meaningful victories come later, when they’re backed by years of experience and perspective.
More Than a Medal: What Kyle Dake Represents
Kyle Dake’s bronze medal in Paris is more than just hardware. It’s a symbol of endurance, of perseverance, and of a man who refuses to quit on something he loves. It’s about embracing the struggle and finding joy in the challenge.
He could walk away tomorrow and still be celebrated. But for now, as he said himself, he’s not sure what’s next.
What he does know is that he’s still in love with the sport that’s shaped his life.
Also Read: Anahat Singh (Olympic): Who Is She? Bio, Wiki, Age, Career, Records, Net Worth 2024 and More
