Real American Freestyle announces signing of Wyatt Hendrickson

Real American Freestyle announced the signing of Wyatt Hendrickson, the 2025 NCAA champion from Oklahoma State. Hendrickson achieved superstardom at the conclusion of his collegiate career by beating Gable Steveson in Philadelphia.

A three-time All-American and now NCAA champion, Hendrickson will compete at Final X on June 14th in a best-of-three series for a spot on Team USA for the 2025 World Championships. But, he’ll also be added to Real American Freestyle, which aims to be the newest and best pro league for senior-level wrestlers.

Real American Freestyle Chief of Staff Brandon Wimbush, a former Notre Dame QB, joined On3 to discuss the league. CLICK HERE.

Hulk Hogan, who founded the new league, was a big fan of Hendrickson after seeing his performance at the 2025 NCAA Tournament. He released a statement on the signing of the heavyweight.

“Wyatt Hendrickson right now is the sport of wrestling, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome him to the Real American Freestyle team after what was truly a historic win and unbelievable season, ” Hogan said in a statement. “Our mission is to provide a platform for these athletes at all stages, and even at the top – where Hendrickson currently is – we’re proud that because of what we’re building, the NCAA Championship title fight won’t his last bout, but simply the last before what we know will be an illustrious professional career.”

Seth Gross, Beau Bartlett, Nathan Tomasello, Matt Ramos, and Mikey Caliendo also signed to Real American Freestyle. They join Ben Askren, Kennedy Blades, Zahid Valencia, David Carr, Kyle Dake, Trent Hidlay, Kyle Snyder, Aaron Brooks, Evan Wick, Austin Gomez, Real Woods, Will Lewan, and Parker Keckeisen.

Hendrickson just won the US Open at 125 KG and will take on Trent Hillger for the Team USA spot. Final X is where the World Team spots are determined for men and women in freestyle wrestling, one of the styles in the World Championships and the Olympics.

Steveson, who won the Gold Medal at the 2021 Olympics, returned to collegiate wrestling this year for one final season, finishing 2nd for Minnesota, failing to capture his third NCAA title. Hendrickson, who was an All-American at Air Force, went to a new level at Oklahoma State.

“When I saw that happen and I saw our President hug (Hendrickson after his win), I went, OK, we are on point, we’re ready to go and instincts have prevailed and I smell victory,” Hogan said. “I think we’re right on track, brother. Dude, they’ve all got that edge. These kids are young, they’re smart. They’re watching TV. They know about branding, they know what sells. And they’ve all got that little Conor McGregor swag.”

Hogan has previously teased Hendrickson and Steveson running it back. With Hendrickson’s signing official, they would just need Steveson on board. Currently, the latter is set to compete against Craig Jones in a superfight in CJI 2, an international BJJ event, this August.