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Real American Beer, the bold premium light lager co-founded by WWE icon Hulk Hogan, is stepping into the ring with a groundbreaking title sponsorship of Real American Freestyle (RAF), the first of its kind professional freestyle wrestling league built for today’s elite athletes and passionate fans. 

Announced today, this partnership solidifies Real American Beer as the Official Beer of RAF, embedding the brand into live events, athlete partnerships, and digital content starting with the league’s debut tournament in August 2025. For sports fans, especially wrestling diehards, this is a match made in heaven.

A New Era for Wrestling with Real American Beer

Real American Freestyle isn’t just another league; it’s a game-changer backed by venture capital from Left Lane Capital and led by legends like Hulk Hogan, Eric Bischoff, and Israel Martinez. Featuring a national roster of top talent, think NCAA champions, Olympic hopefuls, and rising college stars, RAF aims to blend elite competition with iconic entertainment. 

As the title sponsor, Real American Beer will be prominent at every major touchpoint, from in-venue branding at nationwide events to branded merchandise and syndicated content.

“When you back real moments and the best athletes in our country, you can’t lose, brother,” said Hulk Hogan, Co-Founder of Real American Beer and Commissioner of Real American Freestyle. 

His words capture the essence of this partnership, a celebration of American grit and community, values that resonate deeply with both real wrestling fans and Real American Beer drinkers.

Why Wrestling? Why Now?

Wrestling has been experiencing a massive boom, with NCAA events selling out (some premium seats for events are fetching $3,000) and tournaments like the Tulsa National drawing 20,000 attendees. Even high-profile figures like President Trump have joined the hype, receiving a standing ovation at the NCAA National Championships. For Real American Beer, aligning with RAF taps into this surging popularity, connecting with passionate Gen Z and Millennial fans, as well as college-level talent through their new “Real American Athletes” program, which is also set to launch.

“Real American Beer is about showing up where pride, grit, and community still mean something,” said Terri Francis, CEO of Real American Beer. 

"Wrestling is one of the great American sports. Real American Freestyle is a perfect fit, real athletes, real competition, real passion. It’s everything our brand stands for.” This partnership positions Real American Beer at the heart of wrestling’s cultural resurgence, ensuring the brand is poured and celebrated at RAF events in priority markets like Ohio, Michigan, and Florida.

Strategic Slam for Brand Growth

This isn’t just about slapping a logo on a mat; it’s a calculated move for Real American Beer to deepen its footprint in sports and entertainment. Following high-profile partnerships with WWE, World of Outlaws, and Arena Football One, teaming up with RAF offers year-round activation through in-venue presence, digital storytelling, and direct access to thousands of fans at live events. It also lays the groundwork for their college and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) strategy, amplifying social media buzz with young athletes and audiences on campus.

For fans, this means seeing Real American Beer not just as a drink, but as a cultural force backing the moments and arenas that matter. With only 110 calories, 4g carbs, and 4.2% ABV, this proudly American-made light lager, now available in 23 states, is poised to become a go-to brew for tailgates, watch parties, and post-match celebrations.

What’s Next for Real American Beer and RAF?

Mark your calendars for August 2025, when RAF kicks off its inaugural tournament, followed by a full season of high-octane matchups and fan experiences. As the Official Beer, Real American Beer will fuel the excitement, from branded content to athlete endorsements that’ll likely dominate your social feeds. This partnership isn’t just a sponsorship; it’s a declaration that Real American Beer is here to stay in the heart of American sports culture.

Click here for more beer news & reviews from On Tap Sports Net

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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