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Real American Freestyle Signs David Carr, Kyle Dake, Trent Hidlay, Kyle Snyder, and Aaron Brooks to Full Roster of Elite Wrestling Talent
Following a successful launch and ahead of its first event in Ohio, the innovative organization continues to attract the best wrestlers in the sport
Tampa, FL (May 8, 2025) – Real American Freestyle, the new, unscripted freestyle wrestling organization, today announced the signing of champion wrestlers David Carr, Kyle Dake, Trent Hidlay, Kyle Snyder, and Aaron Brooks to its full roster of talent. The signings come off the heels of the company’s launch and promotion of its title sponsor, Real American Beer.
Carr, Dake, Hidlay, Snyder, and Brooks come to Real American Freestyle via SuckerPunch Entertainment, led by President Bryan Hamper. A premier sports management agency specializing in combat sports, SuckerPunch is renowned for representing world-class athletes and emerging stars. With a commitment to integrity, innovation, and athlete empowerment, SuckerPunch Entertainment has become a cornerstone of success for fighters across the globe.
Carr, Brooks, Snyder, Hidlay, and Dake join Olympian, Pan American champion, mixed martial artist, and professional boxer Ben Askren, Olympian and World Champion Kennedy Blades, National Champion and World Champion Zahid Valencia. Seeking to provide an opportunity for the best athletes to compete and showcase their talent, Real American Freestyle will continue to develop its program ahead of their first event on August 30th in Cleveland, OH and will offer a dynamic, modern approach to coverage of the sport – spearheaded by the elite storytelling of Hulk Hogan, Eric Bischoff, and legendary coach Israel Martinez, one of the top coaches in the history of the sport.
“David, Kyle, Aaron, Trent, and Kyle represent the best of the best, and that’s who we’re targeting for Real American Freestyle,” said Hulk Hogan, Commissioner of Real American Freestyle. “Our goal is to give these athletes an opportunity to continue their careers, create a platform for greatness, and inspire a legacy that lasts.”
David Carr is an American freestyle and folkstyle wrestler, U20 World Champion, and bronze medalist in the U17 World Championships. In folkstyle, Carr is a two-time NCAA Division I National Champion and three-time finalist, as well as a four-time Big 12 Conference Champion for Iowa State University.
Kyle Dake is an American freestyle and folkstyle wrestler and a four-time World Champion, bronze medalist at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and at the 2024 Paris Olympics – as well as a four-time NCAA Division I National Champion. Dake is the first person to ever achieve this in four different weight classes and without a red shirt season.
Aaron Brooks is an American freestyle and folkstyle wrestler, who won the bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. A U23 World Champion, Brooks was the seventh four-time NCAA Division I National Champion in history and was a four-time Big Ten Conference champion for Penn State.
Trent Hidlay is an American freestyle and former folkstyle wrestler and four-time NCAA Division I All-American. Hidlay finished as an ACC Conference champion four times, and is an NCAA Division I runner-up twice.
Kyle “Captain America” Snyder is an American freestyle and folkstyle wrestler and youngest ever athlete in the sport to win the world, NCAA, and Olympic championships in the same year. He also became the first Olympic gold medalist to return to college and win an NCAA title – followed the next year by his third consecutive NCAA title – and would become the first ever wrestler to win the NCAA, World, and Olympic championships as a student athlete. In 2018, Snyder was named by President Trump as a member of his Council on Sports, Fitness, & Nutrition.
In partnership with the USA Wrestling, NIL organizations, and NCAA, athletes can compete regardless of their NCAA status, providing crucial opportunities for wrestlers at the start and in the prime of their careers. Real American Freestyle will explore a dynamic format, with nine minute matches and high-impact moves designed to captivate modern audiences.
Events will feature eight weight classes with eight matches for men and four for women. Participants and members of the Real American Freestyle roster have access to the world’s best entertainment and sports storytellers, production, and promotion, they will also have the opportunity to win the championship purse and bonuses – in adherence to NCAA regulations – for wins throughout the season.
For more information on Real American Freestyle, visit: www.realamericanfreestyle.com
About Real American Freestyle
Real American Freestyle is a professional freestyle wrestling league founded by Chad Bronstein, Hulk Hogan, and Israel Martinez. Supported by Left Lane Capital, the league launched in 2025 with a roster of 40 athletes. Featuring a full slate of events throughout its debut season kicking off in Cleveland, OH, Real American Freestyle is focused on freestyle elements of the sport and seeks to provide a platform for athletes to build careers and branding in the space. For more information on Real American Freestyle, please visit www.realamericanfreestyle.com.
