Back in the day, from 2010 to 2013, Kyle Dake did something absolutely legendary at Cornell University. He became only the third guy ever to win the NCAA Division I National Championship four times–and get this, he’s the only one who did it across four different weight classes without even taking a year off to redshirt. His college run was just incredible dominance, with a mind-blowing record of 137 wins and only 4 losses.

When he was a senior, he snagged the super prestigious Dan Hodge Trophy and the Schalles Award, basically the top honors. Plus, he won the EIWA title three times. So, yeah, this is a guy who’s been proving people wrong and achieving huge things since he was just starting out. But for someone who’s already done so much, what’s actually next?

Fast forward to yesterday, May 13th, 2025, and the wrestling world got some pretty huge news. In an announcement that seriously sent shockwaves through the community, Kyle Dake signed with Real American Freestyle, or RAF. It’s the very first professional freestyle wrestling league. The news totally blew up on X thanks to a post from RAF Wrestling USA. They put up this cool graphic with “SIGNED” in big letters and a picture of Dake in his USA singlet.

The caption said, “Kyle’s done more than most could dream. But the fight? Far from finished. Welcome to RAF, legend! #RealAmericanFreestyle #RAF.” So, here’s Dake, he’s 34 years old, already has those bronze medals from the 2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Olympics, and he’s stepping into totally new territory. What does this move mean for a wrestler as accomplished as him? Dake’s signing is a massive win for the league, but it also comes at a really interesting point in his career. Like, why now? And what does this mean for his future with the American national team?

This is where it gets really interesting. Dake’s spot on the U.S. World Team for the 2025 World Championships?—It’s actually not guaranteed yet. Traditionally, he’s been a constant on the team, with an incredible list of wins: four World titles (2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022) and a silver medal in 2023. But the trials process to make the team is brutal, and Dake’s faced tough losses before, like when he lost to Jordan Burroughs back in the best-of-three finals at the 2013 U.S. World Team Trials.

With the 2025 trials coming up, there’s some uncertainty about whether Kyle Dake will even secure his spot to wrestle for the U.S. again. Now, by moving to RAF, he’s definitely showing that his focus might be shifting—maybe prioritizing pro-competition over the usual international circuit. Could this be the beginning of something completely new for Dake, where he basically redefines what it means to be a wrestling legend? Only time will really tell, but seriously, the wrestling mat just got way more exciting to watch.

Kyle Dake is gearing up for the Final X spot

So, this weekend, get ready, because the Senior World Team Trials are happening!  There are 59 top-tier wrestlers competing in the men’s freestyle division, which is going to be intense. And guess who’s headlining at 86 kilograms? Kyle Dake! Yes, the four-time Senior World champ has shifted weight classes. He’s usually been crushing it at 74kg and 79kg, winning World titles in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022, but now he’s aiming for a spot at Final X by competing at 86kg.

The last time he wrestled at this weight was back in 2015 when he beat David Taylor to win the US Nationals. Can this specific bracket, even though it’s small, actually live up to all the hype?

Even though there are only five guys entered, that 86kg bracket is seriously stacked with talent. You’ve got Dake in there facing some tough competition: there’s Chance Marsteller, who was on the Senior World Team in 2023; Carter Starocci, who’s won the NCAA championship five times; Parker Keckeisen, another NCAA champ; and Marcus Coleman, who’s a national contender.

Kyle Dake’s 34 now. He’s got those Olympic bronzes from 2020 and 2024, and his goal here is to win and move on to Final X, which is happening on June 14th in Newark, New Jersey. So, the big question is, will all his experience win out, or are we going to see an upset that shakes things up in that bracket? We’re gonna find out really soon!