American Wrestling League
The American Wrestling League (AWL) is pleased to announce its plans to launch a men’s and women’s freestyle wrestling league, with the inaugural season beginning in the fall of 2022. During the US Open, the AWL will offer Q & A sessions for prospective athletes, coaches, sponsors and team owners. Meeting times are listed below.

The AWL is owned and operated by Andrew F. Barth, honored as an Outstanding American by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2012 and founder of the Titan Mercury Wrestling Club, and Rich Puleo, alumnus and longtime supporter of Penn State Wrestling. The AWL will field dual meet teams of both men and women freestyle wrestlers, a groundbreaking venture not yet seen in professional sports.

“Both men’s and women’s freestyle wrestling in the United States have raised the bar over the years,” AWL founder Barth said. “We have amazing men and women in freestyle wrestling that not only can wrestle but also can be household names and role models in America. It makes sense to offer a professional league that features the talents of both our men and women freestyle wrestlers.”

The American Wrestling League will offer a draft with the potential of 120 freestyle wrestlers (60 men and 60 women) being drafted into the inaugural season. This endeavor by the AWL is supported by USA Wrestling.

“AWL’s plan to grow wrestling, in alignment to our nation’s world and Olympic goals is something we are very excited about. The team behind AWL has our support and we look forward to working with AWL as the league develops,” USA Wrestling Executive Director Rich Bender said.

More information will be provided for all prospective athletes, coaches, sponsors and team owners at the AWL Q & A sessions at the US Open, which will be held in the Cypress Room at the South Point Hotel and will take place right after weigh ins. Times are as follows:

Friday, April 29: 8:30 - 9:00 am in the Cypress Room

Saturday April 30: 8:30 – 9:30 am in the Cypress Room

For more information regarding AWL and the upcoming dual meet season, contact Jonny Ruggiano at jonnyruggiano@gmail.com