Wrestling event coming to Milwaukee and it'll be Ben Askren's comeback

Real American Freestyle is coming to the UWM Panther Arena on July 18, bringing its relatively new brand of unscripted, professional, freestyle wrestling – and some familiar athletes – to Milwaukee for the first time.

Here’s a look at the background of the organization and what to expect from RAF 11.

What is Real American Freestyle?

Real American Freestyle is a promotion that launched in April 2025 that is intended to provide a venue for freestyle wrestlers to develop into stars and earn a living like athletes in other combat sports such as mixed martial arts.

But think mat, not cage or ring.

Is Real American Freestyle 'pro wrestling'?

Yes, in the sense that the athletes are professionals and do get paid. But no, it’s not scripted like the WWE or the AWA of days gone by, even if there are some connections in management and similarity in production.

When is Real American Freestyle’s RAF 11 at the UWM Panther Arena?

RAF 11 is set for 7 p.m. Saturday, July 18 at the UWM Panther Arena.

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, starting at $66.

Who’s behind Real American Freestyle?

Real American Freestyle was launched by the late Hulk Hogan, entrepreneur Chad Bronstein, accomplished wrestling coach Izzy Martinez among others.

Bronstein is the company’s chief executive officer and Martinez the chief operating officer. Longtime pro wrestling figure Eric Bischoff is the chief media officer.

Who competes in Real American Freestyle?

Athletes can come from the college or international freestyle ranks, and there is considerable crossover from the MMA world. The RAF roster consists of 127 men and 23 women.

RAF 11 in Milwaukee has 10 men’s matches and two women’s matches scheduled.

The co-headline matches feature competitors well known in the MMA world: a catchweight championship match between Arman Tsarukyan and Colby Covington and a cruiserweight match pitting Ben Askren against Belal Muhammad.

Askren, 41, is coming back from a double lung transplant last June. The two-time WIAA champion from Hartland won junior national titles and then claimed two NCAA titles in unbeaten seasons, went to the Olympics and became an MMA champion in the Bellator Fighting Championship.

Another familiar Wisconsin name on the card is Askren student Keegan O’Toole, who won four state titles at Arrowhead and went 49-0 as a senior before winning two NCAA championships while at Missouri. His opponent is Chris Minto, who competes for Nebraska and was a silver medalist at the 2026 NCAA championships.

Is Real American Freestyle on TV or streaming?

Fox Nation, a video-on-demanding streaming service, is the home for Real American Freestyle.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wrestling event coming to Milwaukee and it'll be Ben Askren's comeback