Oklahoma Chapter to Induct Seven in October

The Oklahoma Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame will honor seven outstanding individuals at its 2025 induction ceremonies in Edmond in October.

Coaches Jack Hornbuckle, Michael Lightner, Dan Pettigrew and John Smith, as well as longtime wrestling sports reporter Mac Bentley will receive the Lifetime Service to Wrestling Award. Colonel Kelly Laughlin will be presented the Outstanding American Award and former highway patrolman Robert Nale, Jr. will receive the Medal of Courage.

Penn State Will Host Real American Freestyle 02 on November 8

Following the explosive success of its inaugural event, Real American Freestyle (RAF), the first unscripted pro-wrestling league for the best athletes in the world, today announced their second live event, RAF02, which will take place on November 8, 2025 at Penn State University’s Rec Hall. Tickets will be available to purchase via Ticketmaster, and the event will be streamed with exclusive partner FOX Nation.

Medal of Courage Recipient Gary Chopp Passes Away

The National Wrestling Hall of Fame was saddened to learn that Gary Chopp, who received the Medal of Courage award from the Hall of Fame in 2021, unexpectedly passed away on August 27, at the age of 71.

National Wrestling Hall of Fame Museums Closed On Labor Day

The National Wrestling Hall of Fame and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum will be closed on Monday, September 1, for Labor Day.

The museums will reopen on Tuesday, September 2.

Have a Safe and Happy Labor Day!

Nine Things to Know About Real American Freestyle 01

Saturday, August 30 marks the launch of Real American Freestyle, the new professional freestyle wrestling promotion, with the hosting of its first competition, RAF 01 at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland, Ohio.

USA Wrestling visited visited with Izzy Martinez, who along with Eric Bischoff and the late Hulk Hogan, were the primary leaders for the launch of this new opportunity for the wrestling community. 

Jimenez Earns Silver, U.S. Women Finish Fourth at U20 Worlds

SAMOKOV, Bulgaria – Audrey Jimenez earns a silver medal while Abbi Cooper and Jasmine Robinson both finished fifth as the United States finished fourth in the team race in women's freestyle at the U20 World Championships.

Real American Freestyle’s 10-Match Card Features Olympic, World Medalists

The highly anticipated Real American Freestyle will launch its new professional organization with its first competition, RAF01, set for Saturday, August 30 at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland, Ohio. 

The 10-match card includes eight men’s bouts and two women’s bouts and can be watched on Fox Nation. 

17-year-old Leydecker Claims U20 Gold

SAMOKOV, Bulgaria – Everest Leydecker, a 17-year-old high school senior at Valiant College Prep in Arizona, outscored her opponents 50-2, won five matches, and came away with the gold medal at 55kg at the U20 World Championships on Thursday.