Eric Bischoff, the WWE Hall of Famer and Chief Media Officer of Real American Freestyle (RAF), has publicly shared that the burgeoning freestyle wrestling promotion is interested in signing a former WWE star known for his Olympic wrestling credentials. This potential signing could mark a significant acquisition for RAF as it seeks to carve out its niche in the combat sports and wrestling landscape.
Real American Freestyle’s Ambitious Growth Strategy
Real American Freestyle, founded this year by Chad Bronstein, Terri Francis, and the late Hulk Hogan, launched its inaugural event on August 30, 2025, at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland, Ohio. This event featured a blend of current NCAA athletes, Olympic-level wrestlers, and respected combat sports personalities, including Bo Nickal and Holly Holm, with legends such as Kurt Angle and Chael Sonnen on commentary.
Bischoff has emphasized that RAF aims to target an underserved audience wrestling fans craving authentic grappling action combined with strong storytelling and high-level athleticism. Drawing parallels to his groundbreaking days launching WCW in the 1990s, Bischoff seeks to fill a market niche by appealing to combat sports aficionados, delivering a product that is both competitive and entertaining across multiple disciplines.
Targeting Former WWE Star with Olympic Background
In a recent interview, Bischoff hinted that RAF is aggressively pursuing a major former WWE talent who also boasts Olympic wrestling credentials. While he did not disclose the name outright, the context suggests a star with both mainstream wrestling recognition and legitimate amateur wrestling acumen is being courted to enhance the promotion’s credibility and star power.
“The inclusion of athletes with real wrestling pedigrees sets RAF apart,” said Bischoff. “Bringing in someone with WWE experience and a true Olympic wrestling background would elevate the competition and excite fans who understand the sport at a deeper level.”
WWE insiders speculate that the reference points toward a figure such as Gable Steveson, the 2020 Olympic gold medalist who had a recent WWE stint, though no official offer has been confirmed. According to sources close to the promotion, RAF sees immense value in combining the spectacle of pro wrestling with the legitimacy of Olympic-style wrestling, creating a unique hybrid audience appeal.
How This Fits RAF’s Vision and Upcoming Events
Real American Freestyle intends to build momentum with a scheduled event on November 8 at the Bryce Jordan Center in Pennsylvania, which could feature high-profile matches like the anticipated MMA legend Tito Ortiz vs. Chael Sonnen bout. Bischoff has also teased the possibility of Kurt Angle, a WWE superstar and Olympic gold medalist himself, making a ring return if physically feasible.
This approach highlights RAF’s dual commitment: honoring the athletic roots of wrestling while offering competitive, entertaining shows. By potentially adding a former WWE Olympian star to their roster, RAF would solidify itself as a must-watch platform for wrestling purists and casual fans alike.
Backstage Insight: A Passion for Wrestling’s Roots
According to a WWE insider familiar with RAF’s operations, “Eric Bischoff is genuinely passionate about creating a wrestling product that respects tradition but isn’t afraid to innovate. The interest in this former WWE Olympian reflects their commitment to authenticity and star power. It’s a smart move to blend credibility with entertainment.”
Bischoff’s leadership style shaped by decades in wrestling and broadcasting allows RAF to balance sport and showmanship expertly. His experience running WCW during the 1990s wrestling boom and his recent media ventures have given him a refined sense of what audiences crave.
The Road Ahead for Real American Freestyle
RAF’s debut event met with positive reviews for production quality, athlete diversity, and competitive matchups. Bischoff called it “the most fun thing I’ve ever done,” revealing his enthusiasm for the promotion’s direction.
The partnership with USA Wrestling enables current NCAA wrestlers to compete professionally with prize money, breaking traditional amateur wrestling barriers and providing a new career path for athletes.
RAF plans to launch a weekly live television series in 2026 on Fox Nation, set to expand its reach and fanbase. The addition of a former WWE Olympian star could accelerate this growth and help RAF establish itself as a viable alternative to mainstream wrestling promotions.
