Real American Freestyle (RAF): A Blend of Wrestling and Showmanship

Real American Freestyle (RAF) merges Olympic-level wrestling with the dramatic flair characteristic of WWE and the excitement reminiscent of UFC. A recent documentary on Fox Nation delves into the origins of the league, showcases elite athletes, and revisits some of its most thrilling moments.

Titled “RAF: The Greatest Takedowns,” the film features interviews with the league’s founders and highlights the most intense takedowns from various matches. Colby “Chaos” Covington, a performer in both the RAF and UFC, expressed during a recent interview, “The fans are craving this… it’s one of the oldest sports in existence.”

Covington pointed out how, much like gladiators and ancient Greeks participated in wrestling, people of all ages can engage in RAF, making it a truly unique sport.

Discussing how the Royal Air Force has opened doors for athletes, Covington noted his excitement about the opportunities available now. He reflected, “We can really boost our income and pursue our aspirations. It’s no longer just about the Olympic dream.”

In “RAF: The Greatest Takedowns,” the founders mentioned that, aside from well-known WWE figures like the late Hulk Hogan, there weren’t many professional freestyle wrestlers for youngsters to admire and aspire to emulate.

Hogan played a crucial role in the establishment of the RAF. Co-founder Chad Bronstein, who helped create Hogan’s beverage brand, Real American Beer, collaborated with prominent wrestling coach Izzy Martinez. Together, they pondered why freestyle wrestling leagues hadn’t gained traction. Hogan later introduced them to the influential wrestling executive Eric Bischoff.

Bronstein, Martinez, and Bischoff elaborate on the origins of RAF, the reasons for its remarkable growth, and what makes it distinct. The documentary also features some of the most electrifying moments from RAF competitions, highlighting athletes like Covington among others.