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Chael Sonnen Joins Hulk Hogan's Real American Freestyle Wrestling: A Major Crossover in Combat Sports
- Austin Jones
- 12 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Chael Sonnen Joins Hulk Hogan's Real American Freestyle Wrestling: A Major Crossover in Combat Sports
In a groundbreaking move that merges the worlds of MMA and traditional wrestling, Chael Sonnen has joined Hulk Hogan’s new wrestling promotion, Real American Freestyle Wrestling (RAFW). This marks a significant shift in the way wrestling and combat sports are evolving. With Sonnen’s deep roots in wrestling and his notorious ability to captivate an audience, his role in RAFW is poised to bring attention and credibility to this exciting new venture.
Real American Freestyle Wrestling: What Is It?
Real American Freestyle Wrestling (RAFW) is a new wrestling promotion that aims to bring freestyle wrestling to the mainstream. Co-founded by pro-wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, renowned wrestling coach Israel Martinez, and former WWE executive Eric Bischoff, RAFW combines the raw intensity of freestyle wrestling with the larger-than-life personalities that fans have come to expect from professional wrestling.
The promotion's goal is to bring traditional amateur wrestling to a broader audience, while also offering financial opportunities for the athletes involved. The inaugural event is set for August 30, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio, promising an action-packed introduction to the new promotion.
Hulk Hogan’s Vision for Wrestling
Hulk Hogan, a larger-than-life figure in the world of professional wrestling, has always sought ways to merge different elements of the combat sports world. Now, with RAFW, Hogan’s vision of blending the athleticism of freestyle wrestling with the entertainment value of professional wrestling is becoming a reality. The promotion aims to spotlight wrestlers with a deep technical background while still providing the high-energy spectacle fans crave.
Chael Sonnen’s Role: From MMA to Wrestling Commentary
Chael Sonnen, the brash, charismatic former UFC fighter, has been tapped to serve as a lead commentator and analyst for RAFW. Known for his outspoken personality and entertaining commentary, Sonnen brings a wealth of experience to the table. His role in RAFW is more than just a speaking position—his knowledge of wrestling, both in the amateur and MMA realms, will help bridge the gap between these two worlds.
Sonnen’s Wrestling Background
Before making his mark in MMA, Sonnen was an accomplished amateur wrestler. He earned All-American honors at the University of Oregon and secured a silver medal at the 2000 Greco-Roman World University Championships. This wrestling pedigree is a crucial aspect of his ability to provide expert commentary and analysis for RAFW.
Sonnen has also dipped his toes into the world of wrestling promotions, having founded Chael Sonnen's Wrestling Underground in 2020, an amateur wrestling promotion aired on UFC Fight Pass. His vast experience in both the MMA and amateur wrestling worlds gives him a unique perspective on the future of freestyle wrestling and how it can fit into the broader combat sports landscape.
From UFC Fighter to Wrestling Commentator
Sonnen’s transition into a commentary role in RAFW is a natural progression. With his career as a UFC title contender, Sonnen is no stranger to the spotlight, and his ability to speak directly to fans makes him a perfect fit for this new role. His work as an analyst for ESPN MMA also provides him with the credibility needed to elevate RAFW's profile, combining his fighting experience with an understanding of what fans want to hear.
The Growing Intersection Between MMA and Traditional Wrestling
Sonnen’s involvement in RAFW highlights an increasing crossover between MMA and traditional wrestling. While these two sports have often existed in separate spheres, athletes from both worlds have begun to collaborate, creating new opportunities for growth in both industries. With MMA stars like Ben Askren and Zahid Valencia also involved with RAFW, the promotion is leveraging wrestling’s rich history while tapping into the audience that follows modern combat sports.
A New Era for Wrestlers and Fans
One of the most exciting elements of RAFW is its focus on offering financial opportunities for wrestlers. Traditionally, freestyle and folkstyle wrestling have struggled to provide a sustainable living for its athletes. By pairing this sport with the entertainment aspect of professional wrestling, RAFW hopes to change that. Wrestlers who have honed their craft in the amateur ranks will now have a chance to compete in a high-profile environment, with the possibility of earning significant revenue through sponsorships, merchandise sales, and event appearances.
For fans, this provides a unique opportunity to see top-tier athletes showcasing their wrestling skills while also experiencing the larger-than-life personalities and storylines that define professional wrestling. It’s a win-win scenario that promises to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the combat sports world.
The Road Ahead: What’s Next for RAFW?
As RAFW’s inaugural event approaches, anticipation continues to build. The debut show on August 30, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio, will serve as a crucial moment in the promotion's development. With Sonnen at the helm of the commentary team, fans can expect detailed analysis and insights, while the in-ring action will no doubt showcase the incredible talent that RAFW is looking to develop.
The fusion of MMA and freestyle wrestling under the guidance of figures like Hulk Hogan, Chael Sonnen, and Eric Bischoff is something fans have never seen before. Whether you’re a die-hard MMA fan, a wrestling enthusiast, or someone simply curious about what’s next in the combat sports world, RAFW is set to provide a fresh and exciting alternative to the established promotions.
FIGHT.TV Breaks It Down
The collaboration between Chael Sonnen and Hulk Hogan’s Real American Freestyle Wrestling represents a major evolution in the way combat sports are marketed and consumed. With Sonnen’s deep wrestling background and Hogan’s vision of blending athleticism and spectacle, RAFW is poised to become a key player in the wrestling world. As the promotion prepares for its debut event in August 2025, combat sports fans everywhere will be eagerly watching to see how this new chapter in wrestling unfolds.