Chad Gable may be looking to step outside WWE for something closer to his amateur wrestling roots. Eric Bischoff says Gable has been “sniffing around” Real American Freestyle, the wrestling promotion Bischoff launched with Hulk Hogan.
Bischoff brought up Gable during his 83 Weeks podcast while talking about RAF and possible names who could fit the promotion. He made it clear that Gable’s amateur wrestling background makes him an obvious name to watch.
“I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out that Chad Gable is a phenomenal, phenomenal amateur wrestler and is kind of sniffing around Real American Freestyle, just throwing it out there.”
Bischoff said there have been talks, but he also admitted that getting WWE talent involved is not simple because contracts can get in the way.
“We’re talking about it. There’s some contractual issues that can kind of make that difficult, but we’re having discussions and relatively serious ones.”
That does not mean anything is official yet. Bischoff did not say whether those talks are directly with Gable, with WWE, with representatives, or just internally at RAF. Still, Bischoff sounded optimistic that WWE representation in Real American Freestyle could happen eventually. He also teased that another familiar name with a collegiate amateur wrestling background is interested in what RAF is doing.
“So I think it’s just a matter of time. But also, I’m not going to mention any names, but I was having a conversation not too long ago with someone we all know, and they’re very excited about what we’re doing at Real American Freestyle.”
Gable would make a lot of sense for the promotion. Before WWE, he was a standout amateur wrestler and competed for the United States at the 2012 Olympics. That background has always been a major part of his credibility inside WWE.
RAF has already featured several UFC names, including Merab Dvalishvili, Henry Cejudo, Arman Tsarukyan, Frankie Edgar, and Urijah Faber. UFC has a working relationship with RAF that allows contracted fighters to appear, and with WWE and UFC both under TKO, the door is at least interesting.
For now, Chad Gable has not been announced for Real American Freestyle. Bischoff’s comments make it sound like there is real interest, but WWE contract issues could determine whether it actually happens.
What do you think about Chad Gable possibly appearing for Real American Freestyle? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
