Real American Freestyle

OzarkLion

Senior
Oct 11, 2021
147
510
93
These cards can't be attracting many fans.
Ya know, traditional wrestling fans may think so, but I have been to Final X in Stillwater, Olympic Team Trials in PA, and some other high level wrestling cards that were not NCAA-affiliated, and there are more butts in the seats for these RAF events than those. So, we sit through a couple circus-esque bouts and get to catch some world championship level matches that we wouldn't get to see otherwise. I say let the theatrics fly so I can see some really good wrestling throughout the year from Senior level competitors and not have to set an alarm for 2:30 a.m. to do so.
 

nerfstate

All-Conference
Oct 11, 2021
670
2,788
93
I believe the fight fans showed up en mass and will be larger next time. Willie started it. Brilliant :)
From what I understand by listening to his podcast, Willie is more like the rest of us, in that he advocates for and works towards the most compelling actual wrestling matchups. I think the MMA and influencer crossover stuff is largely the brainchild of Izzy and Eric Bischoff, who produces for WWE. I will give the whole team credit though: after seeing so many attempted pro leagues fizzle out after an event or two—this one seems to be gaining some steam. While I don’t personally care for all the gimmicks and such, they seem to be helping to produce a more viable product. Either that, or investors are burning through a big pile of runway cash based on hope.
 
  • Like
Reactions: jtothemfp

Sportfan2017

Senior
Jun 28, 2017
233
780
93
From what I understand by listening to his podcast, Willie is more like the rest of us, in that he advocates for and works towards the most compelling actual wrestling matchups. I think the MMA and influencer crossover stuff is largely the brainchild of Izzy and Eric Bischoff, who produces for WWE. I will give the whole team credit though: after seeing so many attempted pro leagues fizzle out after an event or two—this one seems to be gaining some steam. While I don’t personally care for all the gimmicks and such, they seem to be helping to produce a more viable product. Either that, or investors are burning through a big pile of runway cash based on hope.
I meant Willie started the Brawl. It was a joke..,.even though it widened exposure and probably brought in new fans. I am looking forward to when an Okie Stater pulls out real pistols. "Cleanup on Mat Two" PS: this is also a joke :)
 
May 5, 2023
223
223
43
From what I understand by listening to his podcast, Willie is more like the rest of us, in that he advocates for and works towards the most compelling actual wrestling matchups. I think the MMA and influencer crossover stuff is largely the brainchild of Izzy and Eric Bischoff, who produces for WWE. I will give the whole team credit though: after seeing so many attempted pro leagues fizzle out after an event or two—this one seems to be gaining some steam. While I don’t personally care for all the gimmicks and such, they seem to be helping to produce a more viable product. Either that, or investors are burning through a big pile of runway cash based on hope.
Willie was defending the crossover's too the max.
 
May 5, 2023
223
223
43
Ya know, traditional wrestling fans may think so, but I have been to Final X in Stillwater, Olympic Team Trials in PA, and some other high level wrestling cards that were not NCAA-affiliated, and there are more butts in the seats for these RAF events than those. So, we sit through a couple circus-esque bouts and get to catch some world championship level matches that we wouldn't get to see otherwise. I say let the theatrics fly so I can see some really good wrestling throughout the year from Senior level competitors and not have to set an alarm for 2:30 a.m. to do so.
I would wager you aren't getting new wrestling fans without the WWE, Ufc b.s.
 

railbirrd

Junior
Nov 1, 2003
176
336
63
FYI - If you have a Roku device and you want to watch RAF on Fox Nation: Subscription to FOX Nation for $1.99/mo for 2 mo (instead of $8.99/mo). This Roku Channel offer ends 07/06/26 at 11:59 PM PST.
 

PSUPetch

Senior
Oct 31, 2021
261
711
93
FYI - If you have a Roku device and you want to watch RAF on Fox Nation: Subscription to FOX Nation for $1.99/mo for 2 mo (instead of $8.99/mo). This Roku Channel offer ends 07/06/26 at 11:59 PM PST.
I just saw that you can get it for $17.76 for a year ($1.48/month) as part of the America 250 celebration. Not sure how long this is available...probably thru July 4.
 

backdrft76-1

All-Conference
Sep 7, 2012
234
1,212
93



Should've been a Burroughs-Mesenbrink rematch. Hopefully JB doesn't hang it up after this.