The world of wrestling is absolutely buzzing because Real American Freestyle Wrestling (RAF) is about to make its grand debut! Imagine the excitement as this brand-new promotion, co-founded by wrestling legends Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff, along with elite coach Israel “Izzy” Martinez, kicks off its first-ever event. They’re aiming to take unscripted freestyle wrestling and turn it into a mainstream spectacle, blending incredible athleticism with captivating stories that will make you truly care about the athletes. And Hogan is excited. “Cleveland is an incredible city, and Real American Freestyle is channeling its rock and roll style into this first event.” 

So get ready for August 30, 2025, at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland, Ohio, because this night is going to be packed with Olympic medalists and NCAA champions, all showcasing the raw grit and glory of freestyle wrestling in a professional arena. Want to know who’s stepping onto the mat? Let’s dive into the full match card, what to expect, and who we think will come out on top!

Real American Wrestling: Sarah Hildebrandt vs. Zeltzin Hernandez Guerra

Kicking off the evening, we have a women’s freestyle showdown featuring American Olympic gold medalist Sarah Hildebrandt against Mexico’s Zeltzin Hernandez Guerra. Sarah, fresh off her 2024 Paris Olympics win at 50kg, is a technical wizard. She’s known for her non-stop pace and perfectly executed takedowns. Her experience on the world stage, including a 2020 Olympic bronze, makes her a clear favorite.

Zeltzin, a rising star from Mexico, brings youthful energy and a knack for scrappy counters. But let’s be real, her resume doesn’t quite stack up to Hildebrandt’s international pedigree. Expect Sarah to dominate early with her signature double-leg takedowns, though don’t count Zeltzin out completely – she might sneak in a crafty reversal!

Prediction: Hildebrandt’s experience and technical skills should secure a decisive victory, likely by a technical fall or a wide points margin. Can Zeltzin pull off a stunning upset, or will Sarah set an electrifying tone for RAF’s debut? Let’s move on to the next women’s clash!

Real American Wrestling: Kennedy Blades vs. Alejandra Rivera Arriaga

Next up, we’ve got Olympic silver medalist Kennedy Blades facing Mexico’s Alejandra Rivera Arriaga in a women’s freestyle match that promises pure intensity. Kennedy, who snagged silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics at 76kg, is a powerhouse, blending raw strength with incredible agility. Her ability to chain attacks, like her explosive single-leg shots, makes her an absolute fan favorite.

Rivera Arriaga is undoubtedly talented, but she hasn’t really been tested against elite competition like Blades. This bout could see Kennedy overwhelming her opponent with relentless offense, though Alejandra’s defensive wrestling might just be strong enough to extend the match. With Eric Bischoff’s promise of compelling storytelling, this could really highlight Kennedy’s journey as a young star on the rise!

Prediction: Blades is absolutely poised to shine, likely securing a win by pin or technical superiority. Will Rivera Arriaga find a way to slow down Kennedy’s momentum, or will the American cement her status as RAF’s face of the women’s division? Now, let’s switch gears to the men’s side.

Real American Wrestling: Real Woods vs. Darrion Caldwell

In the men’s freestyle division, we have a fascinating clash between Real Woods and Darrion Caldwell, bringing together collegiate and MMA backgrounds. Woods, a 2023 NCAA champion for Iowa, is a freestyle standout with incredibly fast footwork and a knack for high-scoring scrambles. His recent win at the 2025 Final X, securing his spot on the U.S. World Team at 65kg, proves he’s in peak form.

Caldwell, a 2009 NCAA champion for NC State and a former Bellator MMA bantamweight champion, brings a unique mix of wrestling prowess and cage-fighting toughness. At 37, Caldwell’s experience is a sharp contrast to Woods’ youth, but his time away from pure freestyle wrestling could definitely be a factor. Expect a lightning-fast bout, with Woods pushing the tempo and Caldwell looking for any opportunistic counters.

Prediction: Woods’ current freestyle form gives him the edge, likely winning by points in what should be a competitive battle. Can Caldwell’s MMA-honed instincts surprise Woods, or will the younger wrestler’s speed simply be too much? Let’s wrap things up with the final announced matchup.

Real American Wrestling: Austin Gomez vs. Lance Palmer

Closing out the announced card is a men’s freestyle bout between Austin Gomez and Lance Palmer. Gomez, a former NCAA All-American for Wisconsin and Iowa State, is known for his relentless offense and sheer heart, having earned a 2023 U23 World bronze at 65kg. His aggressive style, often chaining takedowns into turns, is guaranteed to light up the Wolstein Center.

Palmer, a four-time NCAA All-American for Ohio State and a former WSOF featherweight champion, is another wrestling-to-MMA crossover. At 38, Palmer’s wrestling base is still elite, but his freestyle rust might show against Gomez’s current momentum. This match promises a fantastic mix of technical wizardry and raw determination, with RAF’s storytelling potentially highlighting Gomez’s underdog spirit.

Prediction: Gomez’s active freestyle career and offensive firepower should lead to a narrow points victory. Will Palmer’s veteran savvy steal the show, or will Gomez cap RAF’s debut with a statement win? Now, how can you catch all this incredible action?

How to Watch

The Real American Freestyle Wrestling debut event is set for Saturday, August 30, 2025, at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland, Ohio. The venue has a capacity of 13,610, so it’s going to be packed. Tickets range from $39.60 to $85.15, giving fans a fantastic chance to witness this groundbreaking event live. While broadcast details aren’t confirmed just yet, So, make sure to keep an eye on RAF’s official website or social media for all the updates on how to watch!

Prepare for a high-energy show that perfectly blends Olympic-level wrestling with the entertainment flair that Hogan and Bischoff perfected in WCW. As Hogan told Fox News Digital, RAF aims to make fans “care about the athletes” through compelling backstories, much like you see in reality TV shows like The Voice. Bischoff emphasized that this will feature “world-class athletes” and “elite-level entertainment,” promising a professional stage unlike anything freestyle wrestling has ever seen.

With 12 total matches planned, eight men’s and four women’s, across various weight classes, the event will showcase a mix of established stars like Ben Askren and Zahid Valencia alongside exciting rising talents.

What makes this event a must-watch? It’s your chance to see wrestling’s purest form elevated by incredible storytelling and star power, setting the stage for RAF’s incredibly ambitious future. Are you ready to witness history in the making?