Mikey Caliendo Joins Real American Freestyle Squad
U23 champion NCAA All-American brings precision, raw power to Hogan’s wrestling collective
Image: Instagram
Mikey Caliendo Signs With Real American Freestyle
Mikey Caliendo is now part of Real American Freestyle, the wrestling collective fronted by legend Hulk Hogan. A U23 national champion and NCAA All-American, Caliendo has been one of the most consistent performers in his weight class over recent seasons. He’ll join fellow champions under the iconic “Real American” banner, adding discipline and technical control to Hogan’s rapidly expanding freestyle roster.
Hogan’s New Mat Protégé
Hulk Hogan (real name Terry Bollea) built his reputation in the 1980s and ’90s as a WWE megastar with anthems, championships and blockbuster pay-per-view headlines. Now 70, Hogan has shifted his focus to nurturing the next generation of American wrestling talent through Real American Freestyle. In a recent Instagram teaser—“Ready to run wild this weekend, brother!!” (@hulkhogan)—Hogan hinted at major roster moves, and this week he delivered: Caliendo is officially on board.
From National Champion To Raf Roster
Caliendo’s résumé includes an under-23 national title and All-American honors at a Division I program. He’s known for his low-single takedowns, dogged defense and relentless conditioning. That same blend of precision and power has defined previous RAF signings:
In late June, six-time World Team member Sarah Hildebrandt joined Real American Freestyle. In an Instagram announcement (https://www.instagram.com/p/DKzqlEMxHuI/), the post highlighted her Olympic gold credentials and Pan Am crown—credentials that align with RAF’s elite standards.
Similarly, Beau Bartlett, a Junior World medalist from Penn State, agreed to terms earlier this summer. His signing post (https://www.instagram.com/p/DKxnZUxB8r1/) emphasized Bartlett’s calm composure under pressure and his fast-paced style, qualities RAF looks to showcase at national meets and beyond.
Building A Freestyle Powerhouse
Real American Freestyle has quickly become a proving ground for collegiate and international standouts. By combining Hogan’s star power with a lineup of decorated athletes, the organization aims to dominate U23 and senior-level competitions across the country. From coaching clinics to exhibition matches, RAF provides a platform that bridges the gap between college programs and national teams.
Caliendo’s move comes just ahead of the U23 Pan-American Championships, where he’ll represent the red, white and blue under his new banner. His training will be overseen by RAF’s technical staff, which includes former Olympians and collegiate head coaches.
What’s Next On The Mat
With Hogan’s promotional muscle behind them, athletes like Caliendo can expect increased media exposure and sponsorship opportunities. Real American Freestyle has partnerships with gear suppliers, performance labs and even a beer sponsor—Real American Beer—ensuring that its wrestlers compete with top-flight resources.
Fans can follow the rollout at @realamericanfreestyle on Instagram, where match schedules, behind-the-scenes footage and training tips are shared weekly. Hogan himself occasionally drops in with motivational shout-outs and training pep talks, bridging pro-wrestling showmanship with freestyle authenticity.
Looking ahead, RAF plans sanctioned tournaments in key wrestling hubs—from Iowa City to Colorado Springs—culminating in an invitational freestyle showcase next spring. With Mikey Caliendo’s signing, that event just got a major boost.
Mikey Caliendo’s leap to Real American Freestyle marks another chapter in Hogan’s legacy of “Real Americans.” As the young champion tightens his grip on the mat, fans will be watching to see how raw power and elite technique combine under one of wrestling’s most storied brands.
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