Former WWE Champion and Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle is the latest high-profile name to join Real American Freestyle (RAF). Angle’s role will be versatile, reflecting his famously adaptive wrestling style. The Hall of Famer will serve as a commentator, analyst, and partner for the growing freestyle wrestling promotion.
Angle joins UFC legend Chael Sonnen and fellow former NCAA Division I Champion Bubba Jenkins on commentary duties as anticipation builds ahead of the RAF’s inaugural event, RAF01. The event takes place on August 30, 2025, at Cleveland’s Wolstein Centre.
Kurt Angle is a Major Coup for Real American Freestyle
Considered by many as the greatest shoot wrestler of all time, Angle built his sterling reputation in amateur wrestling during the 1990s. In addition to two NCAA Division I titles, Angle won gold at the 1996 Olympics despite having a broken neck. This feat famously became a recurring anecdote for his WWE persona.
Angle is a 13-time world champion in professional wrestling, having captured the primary titles in WWE, TNA, WCW, and NJPW. He remains the only wrestler to have accomplished this feat. With his achievements across the globe, his enduring popularity, and unmatched amateur background, Hulk Hogan emphatically voiced his excitement at having secured Angle’s services for the RAF:
“Kurt Angle is a living legend. He’s achieved every accomplishment he could in wrestling, so it makes sense that he’s partnering with Real American Freestyle as we actively change the name of the game across the sport. Kurt will provide fire, infamy, and unparalleled experience to the commentary and analysis of our live events. We couldn’t be more excited to have him on the Real American team.”
Spearheaded by Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff, Real American Freestyle continues to build momentum ahead of its August debut. The promotion has launched with a number of decorated wrestlers and mixed martial artists.
These include 2024 Olympic gold medalist Sarah Hildebrandt, Olympic bronze medalist Aaron Brooks, and Olympic silver medalist and world champion Kennedy Blades.
Also among the RAF’s roster are former UFC star Ben Askren, who continues his recovery from a months-long battle with pneumonia. At the beginning of the month, the UFC also secured the services of UFC middleweight Bo Nickal.
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