Real American Freestyle is making another major move in the wrestling business, and this time the company is expanding into youth amateur wrestling. RAF has announced an agreement to acquire World of Wrestling, the longtime organization behind several of the country’s biggest youth wrestling tournaments.
The company announced the deal on Thursday, November 5, 2026, confirming that World of Wrestling’s Tulsa Nationals, Reno Worlds and Kickoff Classic tournaments will become part of RAF’s growing wrestling operation.
World of Wrestling has been operating since 1979, building a reputation as a destination for young amateur wrestlers and their families. The organization was established by the Roller family and has helped generations of competitors develop their skills through national tournaments.
In its announcement, RAF acknowledged the history behind the organization and explained why the acquisition was important to its plans.
“RAF has reached an agreement to acquire World of Wrestling, home of Tulsa Nationals, Reno Worlds and the Kickoff Classic. If you grew up wrestling, you know what these tournaments mean. The road trips with your family. The nerves before your first match. The trophy you still have.”
The company also made it clear that it intends to respect the work the Roller family has put into the tournaments over the years while finding ways to expand their reach.
“The Roller family built something that generations of wrestlers carry with them. We’re excited to work alongside them and build on what makes these tournaments so special.”
The acquisition marks another expansion for RAF, which was co-founded by Hulk Hogan, Eric Bischoff, Chad Bronstein and Izzy Martinez in 2025. The promotion launched its first event in August 2025, shortly after Hogan’s death, and has continued building its professional freestyle wrestling platform with athletes from amateur wrestling and mixed martial arts.
Unlike WWE or AEW, RAF focuses on legitimate competitive freestyle wrestling rather than scripted professional wrestling entertainment. Its events air through FOX Nation, and the company has been investing in opportunities for younger wrestlers through its RAF NEXT GEN initiative.
The World of Wrestling deal gives RAF access to three established youth tournaments that collectively attract more than 8,000 entries annually. The Tulsa Nationals alone has produced competitors who went on to become Olympic medalists and NCAA champions.
The Roller family will also remain involved with the organization, with Shane Roller continuing to play a central role. RAF intends to preserve the existing tournament brands and traditions while expanding opportunities for young wrestlers.
The current tournament schedule is expected to remain intact, with the Kickoff Classic scheduled for November, Tulsa Nationals taking place in January 2027 and Reno Worlds following in April.
Financial details of the acquisition haven’t been disclosed, and additional information about RAF’s long-term plans for World of Wrestling is expected in the coming months.
For a company that only launched its first event last year, RAF is already expanding well beyond its original professional competition model. Bringing World of Wrestling into the operation gives it an established presence in youth amateur wrestling and a connection to athletes long before they reach the professional level. What started as Hulk Hogan and his partners’ vision for competitive wrestling is now growing into something much bigger.
What do you think about Real American Freestyle acquiring World of Wrestling, and could this move help RAF become a major force in amateur wrestling development? Let us know your thoughts and feedback in the comments below.
