Since its April 30 launch, the Real American Freestyle wrestling league has made quite a few splashes.
The league was founded by former WCW and WWE personalities Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff. Hogan serves as commissioner, and Bischoff is the chief media officer, alongside wrestling coach Israel Martinez and Chad Bronstein, co-founder of Hogan’s Real American Beer company
On the talent side, they’ve attracted several Olympic medalists and other top wrestlers. And they’ve now added two prominent executives, Brandon Wimbush and Willie Saylor. While Wimbush is new to freestyle wrestling, he’s no stranger to sports. He played quarterback at Notre Dame from 2014 to 2018 before finishing his college career at UCF.
More importantly, Wimbush co-founded the MOGL marketplace in 2020, which connects student-athletes with businesses for name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities. His work there earned him a spot on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list this year. He’s also served as vice president of strategic partnerships for track startup Duael.
Wimbush will now be Real American Freestyle’s chief of staff. According to the league’s announcement, he will “oversee operations, create processes, kickstart departments, and work across all levels of the brand.” He’ll also continue advising MOGL strategically.
Meanwhile, prominent freestyle wrestling media member Saylor joins Real American Freestyle as its vice president of talent development. That portfolio will also have him overseeing branding and media.
Saylor’s past work includes time at The Open Mat and FloWrestling before he co-founded MatScouts in 2019. He earned national recognition in that field from the National Wrestling Media Association in 2012 and WIN in 2016, and drew some further buzz last August when he and FloWrestling’s Jon Kozak tied for the most correct Olympic wrestling predictions (eight in an 18-event field) from a group of 21 wrestling media members.
Here’s what the league said about their new executives.
“Real American Freestyle is thrilled to welcome Brandon and Willie to the team,” said Real American Freestyle co-founder Chad Bronstein. “Brandon is a successful and driven entrepreneur in his own right, and a supremely talented athlete. Willie understands the wrestling space from an intimate lens and will continue to be a critical voice in the development of our brand. We couldn’t think of a better fit for these roles and look forward to witnessing their successes at the company.”
“The amalgamation of entrepreneurship and athleticism really resonated with me when I first learned about the position,” said Brandon Wimbush, Real American Freestyle’s new Chief of Staff. “I’m excited to join the likes of Hulk, Eric, Izzy, and Chad, as we work to establish the brand and help these incredible athletes in their careers.”
“I have a deep respect for what Real American Freestyle and its team are trying to do in terms of changing the game,” said Willie Saylor, Real American Freestyle’s new Vice President of Talent Development. “It’s an honor for me as a lover of the sport and true supporter of these athletes to take part in the innovation this company continues to achieve.”
It’s notable to see Real American Freestyle filling out its executive ranks with two figures who have backgrounds in athletics and sponsorship. The company has made significant waves since its launch a month ago, signing eight wrestlers (including four Olympic medalists) and announcing its first event, set for Aug. 30 in Cleveland.
However, sponsorship deals —both for the company and its individual talents — as well as potentially broadcasting or other media agreements, will be key to this actually working. And they’ve now added two figures who may be quite helpful in that regard. We’ll see if they can tap into what looks to be a growing environment for freestyle wrestling.