Episode 9 of 𝑺𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝑭𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒆 Now Available

Episode 9 of 𝑺𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝑭𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒆 is now available featuring four-time NCAA champion and four-time World champion Kyle Dake.

Host Shane Sparks shares that winning four national championships in four different weight classes definitely puts the Dan Hodge Trophy winner in the GOAT discussion, and asks about why Real American Freestyle is having such success with not only wrestling fans but beyond.

More than a conversation, 𝑺𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝑭𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒆 is a look inside the culture, the grind and the legacy of our great sport.

Askren Concludes Hall of Fame Career; Gray, Hidlay Post Wins at RAF11

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – With no shortage of storylines on display at RAF11 on July 18, Ben Askren, a Distinguished Member inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2026, stole the show after returning to the mat at UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena following a near-fatal medical battle in 2025.

After taking Belal Muhammad the distance in the co-main event, Askren left his boots on the mat, signaling his retirement and closing the door on an extraordinary competitive wrestling career.

Earlier that night, Adeline Gray made RAF history by winning the organization’s first-ever Women’s Cruiserweight match.

Proud to Support: Coming to Florida

The Florida Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame is partnering with the Wrestling With The Outdoors organization to amplify its promotion of the importance of leadership, virtue and service.

The WWTO Board of Directors are Distinguished Members Barry Davis and Dan Gable, three-time NCAA champion Bo Nickal and Rob Rapsey. WWTO is scheduled to come to Hollywood, Florida on February 8-10, 2027.

Attend the Florida Chapter's Honors Weekend on August 28 and 29 and meet Davis and fellow Distinguished Member Ricky Bonomo.

Oklahoma Chapter to Induct Seven in October

The Oklahoma Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame will honor seven outstanding individuals at its 2026 induction ceremony on October 4 in Edmond. 

Coaches Don Langham, Matt Surber, and the late Todd Glasgow, as well as officials Josh Briscoe and Mark Hudson will receive the Lifetime Service to Wrestling award. Lieutenant Colonel Tanner Garrett will be honored as an Outstanding American Award and Billy Simpson will receive the Medal of Courage. 

In addition to these traditional awards sanctioned by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, the Oklahoma Chapter will present its Madalene and Lee Roy Smith Family Award to the James Family from Del City. 

U.S. Women’s Freestyle Learns Paths to Gold at 2026 Polyák Imre, Varga János & Kozma István Memorial

BUDAPEST, Hungary – The U.S. women’s freestyle team has received its opening-round draws for the 2026 Polyák Imre, Varga János & Kozma István Memorial in Budapest, Hungary. The U.S. will maximize its tournament participation by entering 12 athletes in eight weight classes, all of which will be contested at BOK Hall beginning July 16.

Women’s freestyle begins on July 16 with the 50 kg and 55 kg brackets, followed by the remaining weight classes on July 17.

Lovett, Lewan Win Medals at Polyák Imre, Varga János & Kozma István Memorial

BUDAPEST, Hungary – Ridge Lovett, who was the Idaho winner of the National Wrestling Wrestling Hall of Fame's Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award in 2019, and Will Lewan reached the podium on day one of the 2026 Polyák Imre, Varga János & Kozma István Memorial, the fourth United World Wrestling Ranking Series event of the year. Lovett won gold at 70 kg, while Lewan claimed bronze at 74 kg, closing Wednesday’s men’s freestyle action at BOK Hall in Budapest, Hungary.

Lovett cruised through the 70 kg bracket, earning shutouts in two of his three wins on the way another international title.

Lewan made quick work of Türkiye’s Muhammed Besir in his medal match, earning a fall in just under two minutes.

Lovett, Lewan Reach Medal Rounds at Polyák Imre, Varga János & Kozma István Memorial

BUDAPEST, Hungary – Ridge Lovett, who was the Idaho winner of the National Wrestling Wrestling Hall of Fame's Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award in 2019, headlined the U.S. men’s freestyle contingent in session one of the 2026 Polyák Imre, Varga János & Kozma István Memorial on Wednesday in Budapest, Hungary, earning two wins to reach the 70 kg gold-medal match. Will Lewan pushed through the repechage to the 74 kg bronze-medal bout.

Men’s freestyle medal matches are set for Wednesday’s second session, beginning at 6 p.m. local time/12 p.m. ET at BOK Hall. Lovett will face Georgia’s Akaki Kemertelidze for 70 kg gold, and Lewan will meet 2024 U23 World champion Muhammed Besir of Turkey for bronze at 74 kg.

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