Real American Beer (RAB), one of the fastest-growing beer brands in the United States, has announced its strategic expansion into the state of Iowa—a region widely recognized as a cornerstone of American wrestling culture. This move is not simply about geographic growth; it reflects a deliberate effort by the brand to align itself with communities that embody authenticity, tradition, and deep-rooted sports passion. At the heart of this expansion is RAB’s ongoing partnership with Real American Freestyle (RAF), an unscripted professional freestyle wrestling league where the beer brand serves as the official beverage.
In Iowa, wrestling is far more than a sport—it is a generational tradition woven into the social and cultural fabric of the state. From high school competitions held in packed gymnasiums to powerhouse collegiate programs that consistently produce elite athletes, wrestling has long been a defining element of community identity across Iowa. Families pass down their love for the sport through generations, and local heroes often emerge from these tightly knit wrestling ecosystems. For Real American Beer, entering such a market represents an opportunity to integrate into a culture that values grit, authenticity, and shared experiences—values that the brand actively seeks to embody.
This philosophy also explains the company’s investment in Real American Freestyle. Unlike scripted wrestling entertainment, RAF offers a raw, unscripted format that emphasizes athleticism, competition, and storytelling rooted in real performance. The league has rapidly gained traction within the combat sports world, drawing attention for its unique blend of Olympic-level wrestlers and crossover athletes from mixed martial arts. This combination has helped position RAF as a fresh and compelling alternative within a crowded sports entertainment landscape.
In a remarkably short period, Real American Freestyle has emerged as one of the most talked-about properties in combat sports. The league has generated an astonishing 200 billion impressions across digital and social platforms, with highlights and clips consistently going viral worldwide. Its events are designed to deliver high-intensity action while maintaining a strong connection to the authenticity of freestyle wrestling. This approach has resonated with fans who are seeking something more grounded and competitive compared to traditional scripted formats.
For Real American Beer, this partnership provides more than just visibility—it creates a dynamic platform for real-time consumer engagement. Fans attending RAF events or following the league online are introduced to the brand in an organic and immersive way. Whether through live event sponsorships, integrated content, or athlete-driven storytelling, the beer becomes part of the overall fan experience. As RAF continues to expand its audience, it simultaneously acts as a powerful demand engine for the brand, driving awareness and fostering loyalty among a highly engaged fan base.
Terri Francis, CEO of Real American Beer, emphasized the importance of Iowa in the company’s broader growth strategy. She highlighted the state’s central role in American wrestling culture and pointed to the loyalty and scale of its fan base as key factors in the decision to expand there. According to Francis, the combination of passionate wrestling fans, a high-quality American light beer, and a strong distribution network creates a compelling foundation for long-term success in the region.
To support its entry into Iowa, Real American Beer is working closely with regional distribution partners, including 7G Distributing. These partnerships are critical in ensuring that the brand can effectively reach retailers and consumers while executing localized marketing strategies. Mason Lee, Managing Partner of 7G Distributing, noted that the alignment between wrestling culture and the brand’s identity creates a narrative that resonates strongly with both retailers and customers. In a state where wrestling is deeply ingrained, the connection between the sport and the beer offers a unique and compelling selling point.
Retailers in Iowa will have access to a comprehensive activation platform designed to drive consumer engagement and sales. This includes not only product availability but also a wide range of marketing initiatives such as live event tie-ins, original media content, and athlete-led promotions. By combining these elements, Real American Beer aims to create a holistic brand experience that extends beyond the point of purchase. The goal is to generate meaningful consumer pull by connecting with audiences in ways that feel authentic and relevant to their interests.
The product lineup available in Iowa reflects the brand’s commitment to offering variety and accessibility. Real American Beer is distributed in multiple formats, including 12-ounce six-packs, 12-packs, and 24-packs, as well as 16-ounce LIGHT and ZERO options. Keg availability further supports on-premise consumption, enabling bars, restaurants, and event venues to incorporate the brand into their offerings. This diverse portfolio ensures that consumers can enjoy the product in a variety of settings, from casual gatherings to large-scale sporting events.
In addition to its wrestling-focused initiatives, Real American Beer has also been expanding its cultural footprint through partnerships with prominent figures in sports and entertainment. Notably, Colby Covington, a global MMA champion and RAF athlete known for his high-energy persona, has joined the brand as a long-term partner. Covington’s involvement brings a new level of visibility and excitement to the brand’s marketing efforts, particularly in fight-night environments and retail activations. His presence helps reinforce the brand’s connection to combat sports while appealing to a broader audience of fans.
The company has also made significant strides in the music industry through its partnership with Brantley Gilbert. The multi-platinum country rock artist has become both an investor and equity partner in the business, further strengthening the brand’s cultural reach. Gilbert played a key role in launching RAB ZERO, the company’s first non-alcoholic beer offering. This product not only expands the brand’s portfolio but also aligns with growing consumer demand for alcohol-free alternatives.
The introduction of RAB ZERO was accompanied by a meaningful social initiative in partnership with the United Service Organizations (USO). As part of this collaboration, the company donates $1 for every case of RAB ZERO sold to support U.S. service members and their families. This initiative underscores the brand’s commitment to giving back while also creating an emotional connection with consumers who value purpose-driven businesses.
Taken together, these efforts illustrate Real American Beer’s broader strategic vision. Rather than focusing solely on traditional advertising, the company is building a multi-dimensional cultural platform that integrates sports, music, retail, and live experiences. By embedding itself within communities and aligning with influential partners, the brand aims to create lasting connections with consumers.
The expansion into Iowa represents a significant milestone in this journey. It demonstrates the company’s ability to identify markets where its values and positioning can resonate most strongly. By tapping into the state’s rich wrestling heritage and leveraging its partnership with Real American Freestyle, Real American Beer is well-positioned to establish a meaningful presence in the region.
Ultimately, the brand’s approach is rooted in a simple yet powerful idea: bringing people together through shared experiences. Whether it’s cheering on a favorite wrestler, attending a live event, or enjoying a drink with friends, Real American Beer seeks to be part of the moments that matter. As it continues to grow, the company remains focused on delivering a full-flavor American beer while building a community that extends far beyond the product itself.
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